#and even with as much love and appreciation there could be from the team itll never be the same as the original
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wanderingmoonmen · 6 months ago
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Maybe hearing about the new trailer of the silent hill 2 remake will put my mind in gear to keep writing (a recent comment motivated me to write most of a next chapter at least), but hate this remake more than any other. I've avoided hearing or seeing anything about it because it makes me so upset and angry. I hate the trend of remaking these games. It's so shallow and a passionless money making scheme bc companies are too scared to do anything original so they go and fuck up a perfectly good game instead. From the little I've seen I'm amazed they've somehow made it look worse than the original. Sure the in game model James looks pretty busted in the original but all the prerendered cutscenes are great and then they put out this crisp ugly shit instead?? Being able to see characters' pores and having "good graphics" means fuck all if you miss the point of the story. You know why the originals were good? Because people had an idea and a passion and they had to put together something that didn't need good graphics to sell.
If anyone comes here from a03 I just want to emphasize that everything has been written and inspired from the original games. I despise the remakes and how they've butchered the original material. Everytime I see something else from the remakes I hate it more. There was nothing wrong with the original. Just fucking remaster it ffs.
Half Doomed and Semi Sweet Collection - Leon S. Kennedy/James Sunderland
When Leon and James stumbled into each other in a backwater town of Spain, they didn’t realize how close they would become over a couple harrowing days together. After narrowly escaping with their lives, they discover how they can rebuild and grow together and find themselves finding peace and comfort neither of them thought they would ever have. There’s still more adventures for them both to experience and plenty of friends to make along the way, but in they end they’ll, hopefully, get their happily ever after.
Half Doomed and Semi Sweet Collection contains Promise, Pianissimo Epilogue, and @fly-rye‘s one shots in one easy location.
Keep reading
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moonphaseswrites · 2 months ago
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andre nikto headcanons!!
based off of a few canon things but most go based off the harsh exterior the series give
just a few, may continue on another day...
sfw
ive heard people headcanon him having did, and i know in canon that he has acute dissociation disorder, that his voices are really just alters. he just refuses to acknowledge their names or that they each have their own personalities and names they prefer to be called to differ between them. absolutely despises it when his lover tries bringing that theory up, or when he 'blacks out', which usually is just an alter taking his place for a while, sometimes itll be one that likes them and will cuddle in bed.
hes constantly muttering to himself throughout the day, whether thats telling his 'voices' to shut up or occasionally repeating a few words from conversations he has been in or that he just happened to over hear. it ranges from curses to dumb phrases he may not understand.
under the mask and eyeblack, along with the harsh disfigurements along his face, there are several old scars that run down from above his eyebrows all the way down to the bottom of his crooked, fucked up nose. its a pain in the ass to make the eyeblack stick and not come off too much, but theyre healed enough that its not an absolute pain to do.
due to his 'voices', he has chronic insomnia from all of the obnoxious chitter chatter he constantly hears in his head. he almost never gets the peaceful silence that he craves, this is connected to the reason why he constantly tries making his team shut up whenever interacting isnt important and why he hides away in his own barracks when able to. although, occasionally he will appreciate his partner talking in whatever language they please, not usually even paying too much focus onto their word usage. the same with krugers annoying use of english and german towards him, the austrians attempt at making sure the russian is still domesticated and not feral, keeping him in the loop if he accidentally hides away for a few days after a long hard mission.
he does canonically have a normal usage of "we" and "us", usually when the 'voices' are constantly nagging and bitching about being included in onto his conversations instead of him trying to pretend they dont exist. because of them trying to be involved in his daily life, he sometimes will directly mention them to people, talking about "them", "the voices", and "useless chatter boxes". if his partner refers to him in a plural sense, like lovers or beloveds, he just fucking melts, unused to people mimicking his plural usage in a non mocking way.
nsfw (under the cut line)
he is an absolutely ruthless top, the type to overstimulate you to the point you quite literally pass out underneath his touch. he isnt at all gentle with it either, any whines or begs are returned with "you can take it", "shh.. shh... relax, precious, just a bit more..", or some russian phrases you cant even decipher at this point, hardly even recognizing them.
aftercare is sometimes rare. yes, its still there, but he will either tell you that youre on your own or just straight up walk out on you, just because everything going on his head is just becoming way too overwhelming. like all he can hear in the moment are screams from his alters all trying to tell him what they are wanting and some of said screams are coming from ptsd of different missions and places. it sometimes hits him like a brick.
when he can and does give aftercare, its usually in the form of a quick wipe down, head to toe, cleaning any drool or over substances off of your body. as little as he could care about getting things dirty, its something that he doesnt really have to talk throughout or do too much touching. yeah, hes not big on much physical touch, but its better than trying to bathe with you.
he definitely loves receiving head, being in full control, doing just about every little thing he wants?
knife play. loves digging his knife into you, carving his initials in you... oh no, not in english. no no. hes carving his russian initials into you. right on your inner thigh, constantly telling you to relax and to quit squirming. well, thats when hes spekaing, most responses are him squeezing your other thigh in warning with an occasional russian demand.
loves ramming you into the bedding. just washed the sheets and/or made the bed? too bad, its going to be messy and dirty when hes finished with you. biting into any bits of skin he could reach with his mouth. ignore the gaps in his bites from where a few teeth are missing from back when he was being tortured, a few are gone from battle, but he doesnt mind, anymore that is. just bite into the pillow and enjoy his harsh thrusts.
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200070063 · 3 months ago
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Sure! Let’s hear it!
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putting it under a cut because itll probably be long (context is p0psugar asked what couldve triggered pillows personality change. the art that goes with it is gorgeous btw go look NOW)
okay so first off. from a writing standpoint! ive noticed tpot has picked up a lot of seemingly forgotten early bfb gags and brought them back. especially for the characters that didn't get a lot of time to shine. theres a lot more emphasis on basketballs robotics knowledge, nickels strange speech patterns, yellow faces ads (not necessarily forgotten, but it was pretty much gone in bfb from what i remember), clocks love for loser lore (for better or for worse...). hell even the death pact itself, something that was just mentioned every now and again, has a lot more emphasis put on it! its the cause of a team-wide conflict!
thats basically what happened with pillow! she didn't have much personality outside of researching, so they seem to have took the silly "did someone say killing?" line and... well..... y'know........
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it became this!
i dont know how most people feel about it and i might be biased because tpot made me a big fan of her but i like this approach. a lot. i may not like all of the changes it caused (that is NOT clock four replaced him with a clone i swear to god) but i appreciate how much life it gave to the less...... characterized contestants.
as for in universe, thats a bit harder for me to answer. i could argue that its just because shes not in the pact anymore but,
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its clear that didnt matter, cause she was like this anyway! but even then its clear she did Try to prevent death (not getting screenshots right now but im specifically talking about the fork thing in todays very special episode and her trying to muffle fours screech in getting teardrop to tall), and as much as i want to chalk that up to the writers still getting a grasp of her character, thats just. not how i operate LOL im an overanalyzer at heart
so there's a few things that could be going on here:
1, there wasnt a personality shift at all, most of her moments like this were just offscreen.
2, the whole "death=good luck" thing didnt come to mind until after her time in death pact. or was maybe even a result of it. they didnt really prevent much death in bfb, so its still possible despite the teams immunity streak, something that was brought into question after she first brought it up. (←my petsonal theory)
3, the belief DID exist back then, she just either pushed it aside for the sake of the team or it wasnt as strong.
or maybe even something else! idk! i actually think about it quite a lot its nice to put my thoughts together like this. i heart pillow they could never make me hate her
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actualbird · 2 years ago
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luke pearce IS the sort of person who sleeps with a bunch of stuff on his bed shoved to the side. nxx (and aaron) stage an intervention and are like “we LOVE you, you deserve good things, PLEASE love yourself”
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jhvKJHVSDFSLFKJ THESE R SUCH LOVELY HCS, ANONNN!!!
truly, the nxx team will want luke to have standards So Much. to raise his quality of living because he is definitely Capable of it, he just Doesnt Do It. i like to think it's both because of a casual not thinking very much about himself for internalized self loathing, and also just some natural scatterbrained-ness.
i remember mc saying at some point that luke's been messy ever since they were kids. itll be hilarious when the nxx team actually do manage to get luke to have better standards for himself, and theyre all very happy seeing the improvement made in his self esteem and self worth and how that results in some Home Treats like a nice big fluffy blanket and a rice cooker maybe, BUT.......his place still ends up generally messy and in disarray
marius, falling to his knees dramatically: WHERE DID WE GO WRONG!!!
mc, patting him: yeah no, the mess is staying forever i think
vyn: i am just considering it a victory that he no longer microwaves his water for coffee and tea
artem: //in the background accidentally stubbing his toe against the palette bedframe. ow
i also ADORE THE HOARDER HC SO MUCHCHCHCHHCH!!!! AND UR SO RIGHT LIKE....okay im gonna delve a little more metaphysical in my interpretation but...
it is clear in luke's character and his interests that he values and cherishes objects that have meaning and story attached to them. there are the most obvious examples, with keepsakes from mc, but the one that is more fascinating to me actually is his shop, Time's Antiquities, as a representation of this.
it's still a shop, so he parts ways with the objects eventually, yeah, but the mere fact that thats what he chose is indicative of a deep appreciation for history, for objects of old, because of the past etched into their existence. it's even more interesting that his antique shop co-exists with his general mastery over advanced tech. and that shows that he could absolutely have been a person to value solely utility and advancements in objects, but he isnt. luke does value those things, but there is a cherished place in his life for objects whose main value is less of what they are and more of what theyve been through, more of the stories that they can tell
all that rambling to say that: yeah he totally keeps a hairtie from mc from forever ago JHAVKJHFVAKSFHAVKFH hes a sentimentalist like that and i love him for it. he'd also keep every single gift given to him from people who matter to him: a get well soon card from aaron that he got at the hospital once, a cookbook from artem, some nice pens from marius, a pretty tea strainer from vyn, a whole box just filled with stuff peanut handed to him, all of it
he is so special to me....
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thisismyhell · 4 years ago
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Bodyguard (Part 1)
I’m giving fanfiction a try! this is my very first one, and i think itll become a series. 
Reader x Loki
Summary: Reader works with the Avengers as a research Biologist, and receives a worrying text from a toxic ex boyfriend. Loki enlists himself in watching out for reader, and fluff ensues. 
Warnings: mentions of stalker/toxic ex boyfriend, fluff
Since living in the compound, you were accustomed to not only high security, but constantly being surrounded by Gods, Monsters, and people who could kill with a look. You happened to fall into the cracks of these people, weaving your way into each basket briefly before moving on.
Since you lived where you worked, spending time late at night in a meeting, your office, or in the gym wasn’t out of the ordinary. You thrived in this environment since you could spend all your time doing your work without having to take travel time or traffic into account.
Tonight was one of those nights. You were working in your office, deep in concentration on your recent research proposal, when a notification from your phone almost gave you whiplash. You caught your breath, and reached for your phone, noticing that it was an unrecognized number. Not thinking much of it, you unlocked your screen, when your stomach dropped.
“Hey (Y/N), it’s been a while eh? Wanted to let you know im in the neighbourhood, and wanted to get drinks some time with you. I can pick you up at the compound. -K”.
Your ex-boyfriend. How did he manage to get your new number? You shouldn’t even be surprised, considering how easy it was for him to insert himself into every aspect of your life when you were together.
Months ago, you started to notice how jealous he became at every little thing. You wanted to go out with friends? He insisted on either coming or giving you a curfew. Weren’t home on time to his liking? He would track your phone and show up unannounced to wherever you were, loudly declaring to everyone around you that you must be cheating on him. He had horrible trust issues, and sometimes you wondered what he would do if you stopped giving in to his words. Would be become forceful? Would you be in physical danger? Thankfully, you mustered up the strength to call it quits before you found out, but who knows what would have happened if you hadn’t?
You blinked back into reality and took in your surroundings. You were surprised that you felt so alone suddenly. Usually you have no problem with staying up late like this, even if you were the last in the research building. You began to quickly pack up your belongings, clutching your phone, swiftly exiting into the hallway. You knew you were just being paranoid, but you looked down both sides of the hall before racing to the elevators. Once it arrived, you jumped in and pushed the button incessantly until you were safely inside. As you listened to the dings of each floor pass, and watched the lights switch to each level, you began to calm down. You felt ridiculous. Why would you be scared of your lazy ex boyfriend over a text message? Maybe it was someone sending a prank text. Maybe he wasn’t even in the city. And lord help anyone who tried to break into the compound without getting tackled by security. You were fine.
The elevator doors slid open and you gained back your confidence; stepping out onto the main floor when all of a sudden you hit what felt like a brick wall, sending your things flying, and dropping your phone to the floor. You gasped, shoving yourself against the wall and throwing your forearms in front of your face. Someone grabbed them and tried to move them down but it wasn’t working. “(Y/N would you relax?! It’s just me.” Loki. That monster. You opened your eyes and pushed back at him, your fear being replaced with anger and frustration. “LOKI I AM GOING TO KILL YOU I SWEAR TO GOD WHAT ARE YOU EVEN DOING IN THIS BUILDING YOU ARE OUT OF YOUR MIND DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME IT IS-“. His laughter brought you back to reality. “(Y/N) what is wrong with you? You really have terrible reaction times to your fear, we should work on that”. Through all the commotion and stress you didn’t realize it but you began to cry. “Love, are you alright? I didn’t scare you that badly did I, what’s wrong?”.
You slid down the wall and haphazardly began to collect your things. You picked up your phone, and handed it to Loki, who looked at the message on the screen. “(Y/N), is this who I think it is?”. You nodded. Once you packed your bag, Loki helped you up. “Is this why you were so scared? You thought I was him?”. You nodded again, catching your breath.
The two of you began to go outside, walking along the garden pathway back to the main building where you all lived. “I haven’t heard from him in months. Not since I ended things. He took it horribly but I never thought that maybe it wasn’t over for him. He seemed like the type to be mad, but then move on to some other girl once he had the chance. I can’t believe he found my number again.” Loki listened to you as you walked in the dark, illuminated only by compound streetlamps and the fireflies of the gardens around you. “(Y/N), I’ll be honest, I find it highly unlikely for someone to forget about you that quickly without remorse. I know the two of you were not together for that long, but he seems to still be struggling with the thought of letting you go.” You felt a bit surprised. “What, so I had this text coming to me? I should have known he would want to make contact again?”. He realized what he had implied. “No, I’m sorry. What I mean is, I am not surprised that he would want to have this influence you. Forgive me, but maybe his skull is too thick to get that through.” You laughed and he smiled down at you.
________________________________________________________
You and Loki had clicked almost immediately. You were a researcher hired into the Stark company, bringing your useful knowledge of biology and mechanics. Since there were now Gods and Aliens on the team, Stark thought it would be quite useful to try and bridge the gap. So he went through universities around the world, not sure what exactly he was looking for. But when he walked into your lab by accident, you had yelled over to him for an extra hand in helping tie some stem cells together. He noticed your focus and lack of ick-factor and interviewed you on the spot. Well, more like allowing you to crack open his gadgets and listen to you go on and on about how you think human properties could be incorporated into his technology. He was instantly hooked.
He brought you back to the compound and introduced you to the team the next week. Loki noticed how you weren’t flinching at any of the information being thrown at you, and even began to ask questions to your team members about their own worlds. He noticed that you were already acting like a team member, without needing the blood bond. You were gung-ho the minute you set foot on the property. And he respected that.
The two of you became closer after you expressed interest in reading some Asgardian texts that you were useless in deciphering. Loki agreed to be your partner in your research adventure, offering a better look into each others lives.
 ________________________________________________________
As you looked back up at your friend, you realized how thankful you were that he had almost scared you to death. If he hadn’t, you’d be all alone out here in the dark, probably looking over your shoulder at every snap of a twig. Although the compound was quiet and secluded, there were still the elements. The two of you came to a stop outside the main entrance doors. “Are you feeling alright now?”, “Yes, thank you. I’m glad I didn’t have to make that walk alone. Usually I’m fine, but that text message really threw me off”. “I can see why. What kind of idiot jus announces their desire to ambush you like that? He doesn’t seem like the strategic type.” He smiled down at you, trying to lighten the mood. You reciprocated, letting him open the door for you.
The wait for the elevator and the ride up to your rooms was passed with asking each other about your work days and if you had evening plans. Neither of you were good at keeping an honest sleep schedule. As the two of you were saying goodnight to each other in your hallway, he stopped you before entering your room. “(Y/N), I know you can hold your own, but if you ever need someone to walk you home again, you know how to contact me”. You reached up and gave him a hug. “Thank you Loki, I appreciate that. And you know the same always goes for you”. You let him go and as he walked away from you, you called out to him once more; “By the way, what were you even doing in the research building today?”. He stopped and turned to face you, “I saw your office light on from outside. I was hoping to run into you before you left for the evening. Unfortunately I ended up frightening you rather than enticing you”. You raised your eyebrows, “Loki, you know you always entice me”.
He walked away, and you entered your room feeling a wave of comfort and relief wash over you.
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himbowelsh · 4 years ago
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Idk how itll work as a group but hh number 6 of the kiss prompts for team leckie? Sorry if this is weird one but clumsy sleepy morning kisses just scream their energy :’)
sha-la-la-la my oh my, looks like the boy’s too shy  💋 (accepting!) 
6 .  lazy morning kisses before they’ve even opened their eyes, still mumbling half-incoherently, not wanting to wake up
it was hard to squeeze everyone in at once, but i did my best!!
Runner and Chuckler are both early risers. This is, quite frankly, unbearable. 
It wouldn’t be as much of a problem if Chuckler knew how to slip out of a bed without shaking it like it deserves its own place on the Richter scale, or if Runner didn’t make enough noise while showering to wake the entire city up. For the late sleepers of their party — that is, the sane folks — it takes genuine willpower to stay in bed past the point when their partners have left.
If Hoosier has willpower when it comes to anything, it’s his beauty sleep.
Leckie has to admire him. The man could sleep through a natural disaster. He has, when Chuckler tripped over Runner’s sneakers and brought the entire bureau down with him. A mirror shattered, Chuckler busted his knee, and the contents of numerous drawers were tossed all over the room... but Hoosier, god love him, didn’t twitch. He just burrowed deeper in his blanket nest, and let everyone else clean up the mess. 
It would be fine to stay in bed this morning if he couldn’t hear Runner and Chuckler bustling around in the kitchen. Their noise has been on the periphery of his awareness for the last hour, a fuzzy chorus cradling him on the threshold of sleep. Only when the smell of waffles begins to drift through the open doorway does he stir... and the longer they lie there, the more he feels like he’s missing out. There’s only so many hours in a morning, and Leckie likes to fit breakfast somewhere in there.
Hoosier’s legs are draped over his own, pinning him down. He sleeps on his stomach in a cocoon of blankets, one arm clutching his pillow tightly; the other is draped over Leckie’s chest, like a dragon guarding his treasure. His breathing is slow and even, pulse strong where Leckie can feel it through his wrist. He’s not dead — appearances can be deceiving — but he’s sure as hell not waking up.
“Bill,” he mutters, squirming in his hold. Nothing. He digs his elbow into Hoosier’s ribcage. “Bill. Breakfast.”
Hoosier doesn’t answer. He grunts, which is something — a great, rumbling grunt, like trying to wake a sleeping giant. Leckie sighs and drapes his free arm over his back.
“Come on, Bill.” Shaking him doesn't do anything. Neither does slapping his cheek, tugging at his hair, or trying to tickle him. The tickling wins him a very lucid, “Fuck off,” but that’s the only response Hoosier’s willing to give.
“I have to piss,” Leckie protests.
“Ain’t one of my kinks,” Hoosier replies.
“Can’t you smell breakfast?”
On a good morning, if anything’s guaranteed to get Hoosier out of bed, it’s food. Today must not be a good morning — or Hoosier just has more important things on his mind, like Leckie’s body heat and the lingering haze of sleep.
Defeated, Leckie slumps back against the pillows. There are few options available to him. None, really, unless he wants to slowly slide out from Hoosier’s death grip and flop over the side of the bed like a fish. That’s presuming Hoosier doesn’t go full squid on him… which has been known to happen when he doesn’t get his way. Leckie is well-versed in Hoosier's sleeping habits; he knows his clinginess as well as Chuckler’s rumbling snores, or how Runner mutters in his sleep. 
If he’s being honest with himself for once, he loves these lazy mornings.
He loves Chuckler’s cooking more.
“Waffles. I’m sure that’s waffles.” 
Hoosier just grunts, pulling him closer. Leckie’s air supply is momentarily cut off, until Hoosier nestles into his chest and loosens his hold once again. Suddenly, Leckie’s even more trapped; there’s a messy blonde head against his collar, and Hoosier’s deep exhale heating his neck. It’s like being seduced by a sloth with morning breath.
Out of options, Leckie turns to his only recourse. Leaning up, he presses a kiss to the crown of Hoosier’s golden head. When this fails to win a response, he goes even further — tracing his hairline with light kisses, peppering his brow, all the way to his ear. This is Hoosier’s one weak point, as they’ve all learned from experience. He grunts, twisting just enough to shield himself… but this leaves half of his face exposed. Leckie wastes no time pressing a kiss to his inviting lips.
“Hmm. Cheating,” Hoosier mutters against him, voice still heavy with sleep. “Know exactly what you’re doing.”
“I’m appreciating you.” Leckie pecks his nose. “Is that a crime?”
“Is when you’re tryin’ to get me outta bed.”
“As though that’s possible,” Leckie replies, smirking indulgently… and Hoosier is just beginning to relax, maybe enough to even roll off of him, when their tranquility is shattered. Runner announces his entrance into the room with a loud, “Rise and shine!”, barreling through the open doorway. Behind him comes Chuckler, balancing two plates like the king’s prized juggler.
At once, Hoosier sits up. All it takes is the promise of food, and suddenly he’s wide awake. Leckie expected as much, but still feels conned.
“Aww, guys,” he mutters, pushing himself upright. “You shouldn’t have.”
Runner sets the plates he’s carrying in front of them both before clambering onto the foot of the mattress. Chuckler, well-versed by now at fitting the four of them into one bed, passes Runner one of his plates before settling carefully on the edge with the last one. He pops a strawberry slice in his mouth before offering his boyfriends a proud grin.
“Just felt like something special. Don’t get used to it, yeah?”
Hoosier takes a bite of one of the waffles, laden with powdered sugar, and says very solemnly, “I love you.”
A compliment from Hoosier is like beating God in a tennis match. Chuckler beams.
“Hey, I cut the fruit. Washed ‘em, too.” Runner moves to steal an orange slice off of Leckie’s plate, managing it before Leckie can swat him away. Betrayed, Leckie leans back against the pillows, guarding his breakfast-in-bed zealously. Hoosier nestles up at his side, but Leckie’s too wise to his tricks; even he doesn’t get close enough to steal a bite.
“You had us thinking we were gonna have to kiss you awake,” Chuckler declares.
Leckie arches his eyebrows. “Well, now, that’s still an option.”
“You’ve already got us a meal. Regular gentlemen,” Hoosier chimes.
It seems a shame to disrupt breakfast when they’ve only gotten settled down, but that’s never stopped Runner before. Smirking, he leans forward, pressing a kiss to Hoosier’s temple; Leckie’s too far away to reach, but he winks in a way that’s almost just as good. Chuckler steals Leckie’s hand, pulling it to his lips in a brief smooch before going right back to eating.
Overall, mornings in their house can be torrid… but, on ones like these, when all the world is quiet and content, Leckie wouldn't exchange them for the world.
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rqs902 · 6 years ago
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hey yall, don't mind me but I casually started watching the best of us!!! Aka the show tangram guested on and ye ziming competed on, along with long honghao, chen shun, jojo, guan yuzheng, and huang boxuan from "all for one" whoooo
First of all, I actually had no idea what the structure of the show was before I started watching, but it seems like there is no eliminations but just a lot of stages and it's competing the girls team versus the guys team to see who wins more of the audience's votes. im 3 eps in (LOL I GOT SUCKED INTO IT) even though I had just been curious at first to see so many familiar faces, and I wasn't sure whether I was actually going to watch the show, but it's really nice to see all these guys together, and the stages in ep 2 and 3 were worth watching! and honestly it really helps that the judges/mentors are wilber pan and jam hsiao bc theyre actually so fun!! initial thoughts, in no particular order:
wow when they (on “all for one”) talked about long-ge's dancing being amazing enough to bring people to tears, they weren't joking.. Literally his solo stage made people cry!!!! It was so moving, his dancing carries so much emotion and they were all saying how his dancing tells a story through his movements and his facial expressions, and his stage presence is so captivating I'm Amazed. 
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chen shun ayyyyyyy I'm so excited to see him get to show off more of his talents than he did on all for one (even though he did get to show off a good amount there too) I think here through his solo stage, being able to see him perform his own song that he composed himself and with his own rap and with his piano playing, it was next level talent. I was truly impressed by his very well-rounded performance. 
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Jojo is the cutest baby child who knows that he's adorable and smol but you still want to protect and hug him. 
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YE ZIMINGGGGG OMG I'm so excited to watch the show for him!!!! it was interesting to me that after he chose not to volunteer to show off in the first ep, one of the other guys asked him whether or not he regretted that when he saw who volunteered instead, and he said yes. i thought that was notable, because to me that meant that within the group, his talent is recognized and people were expecting him to volunteer, but he was overly modest and he hadn't yet realized how important it was to take every opportunity to be on stage. (sigh) but i really liked his solo stage in episode 3! I'm so excited to be able to hear more of his rap, and to see him show off more of his multi-talented sides. also the part when he played Canon on the piano!!!! I am so excited to see him play piano more! 
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I just keep thinking, if I hadn't known ye ziming beforehand and I was just watching this show not knowing anyone, I wonder who I would pick to bias. I almost want to say I would still pick him, because of the way he seems to support each of his team members before they go on stage, giving them words of encouragement or little high fives and stuff, and all his little smiles and expressive reactions to things, he's just very fun to watch, and I think he has the most charming smile on the show so far that I've seen, and that usually draws me in as an initial impression to a bias hahahaha idk its hard to be unbiased retrospectively!!! 
li zhifan I can't really say I truly appreciate his talent yet, but I'm looking forward to learning more about him and seeing what sort of hidden skills he has. 
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on the girls side, I think I am most impressed by xu yian the rapper girl, I think she has strong stage presence and her performance in her solo stage deserved to win.
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I would say zhao xiaotang has impressive attitude and I like her! for some reason I'm not that impressed with her voice, but I like her stage presence!
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the girl she saved however (zuo zhuo?), I am not very impressed with, and I wish xia yidan, the folk dance girl could have made it instead, it was just unlucky for yidan that she was paired against long ge. The first girl who performed was rather strong, and I liked her. the second girl seemed rather shy, but her voice was nice. i was so excited for ye ziming to beat her tho oops sorry
When Chen Shun was saying that xiaotang shouldn't have picked on jojo, I kind of agreed because it kind of just seemed like she was bullying a child (jojo looks like an actual baby!!), but at the same time I can understand that she made the right play bc she waited until she absolutely had to make a move, and then had confidence in yian to win her own battle, which was rightfully so. Unfortunately for Jojo, that just meant that she had to pick on him (but if I had to pick one of the boys to not make it into the top six it would have been Jojo anyway LOL OOPS SORRY CHILD) I love the kid and he's adorable and his dance was adorable too! but when the other choices are long-ge, chen shun, and yezi............... 
Even though the rest of the girls and guys have not really gotten to stand out much yet, I'm looking forward to seeing all of them on stage more! But anyway, so I'm watching this show now, so if I find good content, ill start posting it (itll be like when i watched ‘the coming one’ a whole year late too LOL)
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survivor-rotuma · 5 years ago
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Ep. 2: “iF yOu SeE a VoLcAnO wHy NoT jUmP oVeR iT” - Marie
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Marie
Fuckin volcano
Felix
I feel secure because Charlie is going to be the one to go. I just know it. If we go to tribal that is. They have barely spoken and I don't know them too well. Might be the same for everyone else here
Marie
Still salty bout the goddamn volcano
Marie
iF yOu SeE a VoLcAnO wHy NoT jUmP oVeR iT
Flint
I am really enjoying the banter with Jay and our tribe. Having a great time with this immunity challenge and chatting with Joey and Felix. Wish the other tribe mates were as active.
Brianna
Ya know coming into this competition i didn’t expect it to be me and Bradley as the last two people representing our team. I guess he’s gonna be more active now since his busy week is over so that’s swell but like. God I really wanna sleep.
Felix
To sum up, I feel like I am getting a deeper bond with Flint and Joey. They seem to be willing to talk with me most often. So, even if we do go to tribal I am safe for the most part. I just feel like I am liked in the tribe. Also, I am the one putting in the most work for the tribe, so I have that going for me. I just feel safe because of the work I have put in, but I don't want to give up just yet. If I can avoid tribal, then I will. According to both Joey and Flint, Suzy and Charlie have been very inactive. Therefore, it will be them on the chopping block come time for tribal. Joey thinks Charlie is more inactive whereas Flint thinks Suzy is more inactive. It'll just come down to what Cassie and I feel in the end. Doesn't hurt us either way since I think they are the weakest links on our tribe, especially Charlie. I don't think she put in enough effort last immunity challenge. Plus, she was totally inactive for this challenge that she auto-lost. Cassie missed this challenge too, but she at least did really well last challenge. If we go to tribal, I think I would vote for Charlie in the end since they are the person I feel least closest to. If only Bradley dropped, I could win this challenge for my tribe and cement my place as a valuable asset.
Lysandre
I am SO SORRY GIGI! I thought you were a returnee so I decided to snap! The comment looked pretty mean compared to the others,  which it was. The tribe, Marie and Kathleen, was wondering who said the mean comment and they believed it was David. I said yeah I think it was him as well. I love accidently painting a target in him and being a rat child.
Lysandre
Ok so I completely missed the challenge! I had no idea it was going to start early and I was at ine of ny sibling's events. I'm rooting for my team and hoping that my absence doesn't paint a target on my back. Also! I am loving being Lysandre! The writer in me is having a field day because I get to create a character and their background, quirks, and personality BUT THEN I GET TO BECOME THEM.
Flint
I couldn't outlast that second Immunity challenge. It was fun but my body couldn't carry on. I hope that Felix can pull through for Tuai! If we have to go to tribal I think it will be an easy vote, for me at least. I think that Cassie or Suzy should go. Cassie hasn't shown much initiative as our leader and Suzy isn't very social.
Bradley
This challenge is taking forever. Im the last one for my tribe. I dont want to lose cuz itll suck and havent been on that much so my soical game isnt too strong either. I just want to beat one tribe.
Cassie
I'm so proud of Felix for sticking it out for the tribe so that we don't have to go to tribal tonight. Plus we still have the numbers advantage, so that is always a positive.
Flint
So relieved we won immunity again! The Tuai tribe is unstoppable so look out! I'm a little jealous that Felix won an advantage but he deserves it and maybe with some buttering up he'll share the information with me.
Felix
Can you believe I have done THAT! I single-handedly won this challenge for my tribe, and got an advantage on top of that. I know why Raul and Kathleen gave it to me, though. If I won and people knew I had an advantage, I would have a big target on my back. It does seem that Kathleen and Raul are working together, so I have to watch out for them. Whether I tell this to anyone on my tribe is a different matter entirely. Though they all know I have an advantage. I think I won't be seen as a threat until later on in the game. I'm still an asset to them though this early on so I hope I would stay if we had to go to tribal in this stage of the game.
Raul
I really did not think I was gonna be able to compete but I got back into it was in the last 2 of our tribe. When it came down to 4 of us 2vs1vs1 we knew we needed to just knock out Bradley and he did that to himself. The best thing to come out was that Kathleen and I grew together plus I'm pretty sure I know the identity of Kathleen which helps cause I love this person. Also there was a individual advantage to be won and Felix had 0 while Kathleen and I had 2. Kathleen and I had decided that Felix could have it but try to work a little magic and make a relationship with him and a deal to work together if the opportunity arose. My smart self realized that that if we just gave it to him it would be announced we made a deal, so I said we continue the comp and just throw it that way it wouldn't be revealed what we were actually doing. This way it keeps this threesome possibility a secret. Whether it remains one or not we shall see. At the very least we aren't going to tribal. Hoorah, 1 point Raul the Snake 0 points survivor gods . . .
Kathleen
"Ohhhh bitch this ones gonna be different from my last one.
David? Trash. Will 100% be the one to go next tribal we go to if I have anything to say about it.
Marie? The sweetest and most opinionated 13 year old I’ve ever met. We love a politically aware teen.
Lysandre? *insert that lady Gaga gif of her going ‘gorgeous, amazing incredible’ ect*
And Raul? I’m sooo glad we were the last two left in the immunity challenge. We bonded AND made an underhanded deal with someone from another tribe. Can you say icons?
Hotel? Trivago."
Bradley
I could still potentially be going home. Since someone brought up the fact that they all talked how they havent talked to me a lot. They do appreciate me doing really well in the challenge and i have Apollo and Brianna wanting to work with me each separately. So hopefully i can avoid being voted off this round and just work on more social connections with them all.
Suzy
love felix but lowkey what if they are doing this for everyone
Boris
"Hello im STRESSED. I went from feeling like im in a comfortable position on the tribe, to the absolute bottom just in one day. Being forced to sit out of the challenge really fucked me up. I feel like the tribe is low-key bitter at me.
And on top of that. We have less than 12 hours to vote someone out. And NO ONE is really talking game to me. Im so nervous. The only person I connect with on a game level is Apollo. I have no idea where the tribe is leaning, but I have a sinking feeling its me.
God I hope im wrong and just insanely paranoid. "
Boris
"IN HAPPIER NEWS. I finally got something GOOD in the idol hunt? And it could be game changing!!!
I found 1 half of a super idol. It can't help me tonight but its leverage, and a super idol is the most powerful thing in the game, it could literally save my life in the future of the game. All i have to do is survive tonight, if I have to use the super idol piece as leverage, I will. "
Felix
I think the advantage is less about doing someone on the other tribe a favor. I'm telling everyone about it because, if I do that, it garners trust because they know I'll be open with them about any advantages I have. Plus, it wouldn't hurt to tell the truth to gain trust. The extra vote could also get me an ally on the other side. Let's see if this plays out like I hope it does.
David
Everyone is nice which makes it hard to decide who to vote off. Performance in the next challenge will base my vote and probably others.
Felix
I think my plan is working. Cassie offered me an alliance with her and Flint. I think those two are really cool so I think working with them is in my best interest. Also, I have connections with Mea through Raul and Kathleen. Hopefully, since I'm giving an extra vote to Bradley, I can gain a connection with him despite not having met him. I hope this plays out well! My social game seems to be climbing!
Felix
I have made my first alliance in this game! It's the Tuai Quad Alliance, LLC featuring Cassie, Joey, Flint, and I. It's basically everyone I wanted to work with since the beginning of the game! I think I have found myself in a good position on this tribe. To be honest, I'd like to see Charlie go first, but we'll see how this all pans out. I'm glad I finally have a security blanket though. Hurray for a good social game!
Cassie
I love being a part of the Tuai tribe and was happy to become the leader. Despite liking all of my tribemates, I've become part of an alliance. We're calling it the TQA, LLC. Maybe someday that can be trademarked, hehe. But the Tuai Quad power is strong with Felix, Flint, Joey, and myself.
Brianna
Well. We lost the challenge. I made a pact with Bradley that we should stick together since we were the last two people left in the challenge. I also talked to Apollo and Boris. I seem to be close to them. Boris mentioned making an alliance with me, him, Bradley, and Apollo and I would be totes down for that. So. Guess this will be pretty simple hopefully
Zest
I just cast my first vote and it was wild. I didn't know what to expect going in to tribal. I hope no one blindsides me because I am really getting invested in this game. I think while my performance in the last challange wasn't the greatest, I can still be a strong social player. Not sure if I'm feeling like Parvati or Hannah Shapiro. I need another few weeks to find out what kind of player I am going to be.
Charlie
I feel so bad for missing the challenge but once again not much new is happening.
Boris
"I have been putting in WERK todah to make sure I'm in the best possible position going into tonight.
I first was talking to Brianna, and she mentioned the only people she didnt wanna vote was me, Apollo, and Bradley. So, naturally, when presented with a majority of the tribe, I suggest an alliance! Ofc she agrees hehe, so now thats in the works.
On my tribe, the most likable people and those I get along with/vibe the most with is Apollo and Zest. I approach them both and plant that seed, another alliance of just us three forms. Im SO excited to be working with them, we bounce off each other really well and I truly think we can go to the end together.
So yeah, even tho I was worried this morning I think I placed myself in a near perfect position. I really don't think theres any way I leave tonight. "
Joey
unfortunately, i wasn’t the best in the challenge but at least i showed up! i was invited in by cassie to an alliance with her felix and flint, but it was obvious i was the last one asked. i plan on being loyal, but i need to let cassie play leader while i get closer with felix. slow and steady.
Thomas M
Not much, Bradley did well on the challenge but unfortunately we are in the bottom. Have been preoccupied with a big assignment so have not gotten to fully experience things in the last round at least. Am nervous of who is going to get booted, excited to see what's to come!
Marie
Wow, idol hunt hates me
Apollo
We lost, I feel like I’m getting played though, if this is the last you’ve seen of Apollo, it’s been a great run!
Brianna
I’m really laughing over Thomas’ first message to me after we lost 30 minutes before tribal....like...it’s a little too late sorry bud
Bradley
It looks like the vote should be Thomas which Im fine with. And theres an alliance of Borris, Apollo, and Brianna who want to make a four person with me which makes me really happy. Started off rocky in this game but with challenge preformance actually helped me a lot.
Apollo
Borris and Apollo? “Name a more iconic duo”
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dylanobrienisbatman · 7 years ago
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In A Galaxy Far, Far Away, There Were S’mores
A Pirate Mechanic Fanfic, based on THIS post ! 
Raven and Zeke find each other in this new world, and when they’re wrapped in each other, legs tangled up, all soft skin and warmth, he tells her stories about his life, in the 21st century. 
Ill post the Ao3 link as soon as it lets me post on there, so if you prefer reading on that... sorry i hope itll be up soon? <3 
When Raven landed on the ground, surrounded by hulking prisoners with an ax to grind, a shock collar around her neck and fear burning up her spine, she wasn’t sure ever leaving the arc was a good idea. They had been safe, well fed, surrounded by people they loved, they could have lived there until a ripe old age and been perfectly content. Instead, they had hoped over to a giant prisoner transport ship, woken a literal sleeping beast, killed a man for the first time in almost a decade, and she had been separated from her friends as they hurtled towards some unknown earth while she and Murphy stayed behind to maybe commit another genocide, maybe not, depending on how Bellamy’s admittedly sort of ridiculous plan went when he got to earth. She ended up in a hacking war with some dickhead who was already on earth, trying to fight her for dominance over the cryosleep containers, and when they couldn’t beat her, Bellamy had made some sort of semblance of peace, enough to prevent her from having to kill 283 people, and the people on the ground had woken up the sleeping prisoners, and the next thing she knew, she and Murphy were chained up, hurtling towards earth, and she thought maybe… they should have just stayed in the Ring.
They had shocked her twice before they realised that she wasn’t really too bothered. She grunted in pain, and then snarled at them with bared teeth. But then they turned on Murphy, and she had yelled, anger laced with fear, because he was her person, and he couldn’t bear to see him hurt, and they realised her weakness was him, and started lighting up his collar every chance they got. She was sobbing, crying out for him, when the ship settled onto earth. The feeling of real gravity on her bones would have been something she revelled in, if they hadn’t been captives again, and then the door to the ship opened, and a mass of people she didn’t know swarmed in, taking the remote from her captor, dragging her and Murphy along. A man they kept calling McCreary shocked John again, seeming to almost enjoy it, and she saw a younger man, tan skin and a buzzed head, turn away from the display of angry violence. She would take the chance to be mildly interested in that when the damn collar was off and she and Murphy were safe again. They were dragged along, through the woods, and she tried to take a minute to appreciate the trees, the sound of the wind through the leaves, the grass beneath her feet, and the taste of fresh air in her lungs after 6 years, tried to appreciate what the earth smelled like and sounded like and looked like again after so long, but it was a little difficult with the collar around her neck and some unknown fate awaiting them.
They were pulled into a village, bright and colourful, and dropped in front of Bellamy, who immediately ordered the collars off their necks.
“You really need to stop doing that” He said, his voice gruff, glaring at this McCreary character. Raven was about to laugh when she saw her, bright blonde hair with streaks of red, and her words and her breath caught in her throat.
Her reunion with Clarke was heavy, full of tears and hugs and soft touches across each others cheeks, like they were trying to memories these new faces, these new versions of each other. Hell, Murphy even cried, one tear running down his cheek when he hugged her, tight, and laughed into her hair when she told him he wasn’t any uglier than he remembered. They were moved into a big house, just the 7 of them, plus Clarke and a little girl, who called herself Madi, and she sat on the edge of her bed while Clarke wrapped a gauze bandage around the burns on her neck. She noticed similar ones, fading across her neck, and reached up absentmindedly to tap one of the scars gently. Clarke nodded almost imperceptibly, and finished the wrapping. She watched as Clarke wandered back to her bed, which was pushed flush up against another. Raven wondered vaguely if it was Madi’s, but the little girl was tucking into another bed in the corner, and then Bellamy walked in, walking right to the other side of Clarke’s bed, and she couldn’t hide her smile, earning her an eye roll from Bellamy.
She fell asleep almost instantly, finally safe, with her people again, and was woken up the next morning to the door slamming shut on an empty room. She wasn’t sure where everyone else had gone, but she took the minute to stretch, leaning over and plucking her brace from the floor and starting to strap it on, revelling in the silence for second, before the door opened and the mysterious, seemingly sympathetic prisoner stepped inside.
“Charmaine asked where you were, and she wouldn’t let your man Bellamy come back to find you, so he asked me to go.” The fact that Bellamy trusted him to be alone with her made the tension crawling up her spine lessen, just a little. “Get some good sleep?” His voice was nice, soft, with a bit a lilt to it. She glared at him instead.
“Sure. If you think rolling all night trying to find a way to sleep where my neck burns don’t hurt counts as good sleep.” She gave him a pointed stare, testing him.
“Yeah. Sorry. McCreary is a dick, but he’s too valuable for Charmaine to kill him, so she just mostly keeps him as contained as she can.” He seemed unphased by her directness, which she found… startling, and interesting. “You alright, tho?” She nodded, begrudgingly.
“I’ve been through worse than this.” Gestured to her brace, half way strapped on, abandoned when a potentially threatening guest had entered the room. She leaned over to restart, and found him kneeling in front of her, strapping above her knee.
“How’d it happen?” Bold first question, when he didn’t even know her name. She admired his tenacity.
“I dont need your help.” She said, fierce and defensive.
“I can see that.” He snarked back, but kept helping. “How’d that happen?” He repeated. She rolled her eyes, but answered him.
“The guy your friends dragged me in with? He shot me in the spine like… 7 years ago?” Her nonchalantness made him laugh through the shock on his face.
“If i remember right, you were pretty concerned about him. How’d that happen?”
“You ask a lot of questions for someone who’s friends held me and mine hostage.”
“Hey. I didn’t chose this life. And if i want to live i don’t really have much of a choice.” She tossed him a look, one that was her attempt at conveying understanding.
“It was an accident, this whole thing.” He looked confused.
“How does someone accidentally shoot you in the spine?” She laughed. That story would take a long time to tell. She told him as much.
“That story comes with a lot of other information, would take a long time to tell. Just… Murphy was a dick… Is a dick. But we spent 6 years in space together, with only 5 other people. Forgiveness is kind of essential to that. I’m Raven… by the way. Raven Reyes.”
“Wait… so you were on the ground, and you went BACK into space? Ill have to get more of both of those stories sometime. I’m Zeke. Zeke Shaw.”
“You’ll have to earn them.” He smirked, and tightened the last strap, high up her thigh, and she ignored the warm feeling that spread up her thigh and the base of her spine when his fingers finally grazed the part of her skin that had feeling. He helped her stand, and led her outside.
The next week or so, her mornings started like that. He would come into the room when the whole group was gone, and help her strap on her brace, asking her one or two very personal questions, letting his fingers graze a little longer, just a little higher every time. She started trading questions of her own, asking about his team, about what he did to end up in a prison transport ship, about where they came from. He was about as short with his answers as she was.
Weeks turned into months, and the morning traditions stood. The morning she found out he was the one who had tried to hack into the ship she had yelled so loudly Bellamy had come running to her door, and his expression when he found Zeke, kneeling on the ground hands on Raven’s calf, was nothing short of hilarious. Her respect for him after that was unwavering. Anyone who could compete with her and almost win deserved it, after all. She might even be starting to like him. She even let herself admit he was cute, sharp cheekbones, a bit of stubble, a nice square jaw, tall and broad and well built. She’d never tell him that though.
She eventually got her own space, a small hut off on the edge of the camp, next door to Murphy (and Emori, in the night, when they thought no one else was paying attention. They didn’t want anyone to know they had rekindled whatever it was, until they were sure, but she was always up well into the night, tinkering with whatever mechanics she could get her hands on), but Zeke still made an appearance, every morning, helping her strap on her brace. Sometimes, she found herself waiting to put it on when she woke up earlier than normal, lounging around, picking through some dried fruit in her room and reading a bit until he showed up to help tighten the straps up her leg. Everyday, he’d help her, lead her outside, to whatever place, to do whatever she was supposed to be doing, and they’d end up in the mechanics lab, tinkering away, casual conversations tossed back and forth, never delving too deep when other people were around. Two months of that, on the ground, early mornings with this stranger, learning little bits and pieces about him and his life, getting to know him slowly and in private. His fingers would linger on her leg, and he’d bring her treats sometimes in the early morning, tea or dried fruit or little toys to play around with, and her interest only grew. So, one night, sitting around the fire with everyone, she decided she wanted to know a little more.
He caught her eye from across the fire, and she held his eye contact while she got up, dragging her bum leg towards her hut, pressing a kiss into the top of Harpers head as she walked by as a goodnight, letting her fingertips graze the shoulders of the rest of her friends, tugging Murphy’s hair last as she passed him, and made her way to her house. She looked over her shoulder when she got the door, and found him watching her. She held his gaze for another moment, and then opened her door and went inside, lighting the candles around her room for light and settled on her bed, leg outstretched, brace still on, and waited. It only took him about 5 minutes to slip in her door, leaning back against the door frame, pretty in the candle lighting.
“I’m assuming you don’t need help with that.” He nodded towards her leg, teasing her with her own words from their first encounter.
“Actually, my fingers are a bit stiff today…” She let her voice trail off, and he came up close to her, kneeling in front of her. He started near her ankle, untying the first of 6 straps slow and easy like, letting his hands run easy up her legs while he did it. She couldn’t feel it, but she could see it, could imagine what it would feel like, and she appreciated that even though he knew she couldn’t feel it, he took his time, exploring her skin with his hands while he undid every strap. When the brace was off, he set it on the floor, but left his hands on her thigh.
“Still got stiff fingers?” His voice was low, and his eyes dark, and she nodded, a bit breathless. He slid his hands down, and untied her boots, one at a time pulling them off her feet and setting them to the side. She never took her eyes off his face.
“Still got stiff fingers?” He asked again, sliding his hands up her leg towards her hips. She nodded again, letting him slid his hands over and undo her button on her jeans, leaning back on her elbows to lift her hips and let him slide them off, folding them once and setting them on the floor. He put his hands on her thighs again, letting the pads of his fingers trace the skin there, tiny movements that had heat pooling in her belly. He slide his hands up just a little more, to the hem of her underwear, letting the tip of one finger slide under the elastic on her right hip, his eyes never leaving hers. She let her eyes find his mouth, darting back up to his eyes and then back down, and then she just… kissed him.
She surged forward just enough, and he met her in the middle, like he could read her mind, and he tasted like dried cherries and monty’s moonshine, and she smiled into his lips causing him to laugh a little, and they sat with their foreheads pressed together, eyes closed for just a second.
“This is… a real thing, right?” He was cautious with his words, letting their noses brush.
“Yeah… it feels real.” He was her equal, just as smart as her, just as witty and bright and driven. He didn’t agree with his people, and had become HER people over time, only listening to Charmaine when it suited him, following Bellamy and Clarke, and being her partner, in the lab and out of it, always around to help even when he knew she didn’t need it. He challenged her, when he could, but never questioned her, or doubted her. It felt real. “It’s real. Whatever it is… its real.” He leaned back in, coaxing her mouth open with his tongue, kissing into her so hard she had to use one hand to stay propped up on the bed, and the other to anchor herself to him, holding his jacket in her fist to keep him close. He slid his lips across her cheek, over under her jaw bone, biting at her ear before licking down her throat.
“Still got stiff fingers?” He asked again, all teasing, as he slid her jacket from her shoulders and found purchase on her collar bone with his mouth, biting softly into her skin, and then he pulled back. She tried to chase after him, but he went too far, leaving her sitting, in nothing but her panties and a t-shirt, a small bruise blooming on her clavicle. He slid his hands up her thighs again, finding the elastic of her panties, his eyes dark, and she swore her soul left her body. She leaned forward, and he caught her int he middle again, and she kissed him, all warm pressure but heavy, wanting, needy almost. He slid his hands under the elastic, pulling them down, laying them on her jeans, and brought her good leg up to his shoulder, kissing from her ankle, slow, wet kisses up to her knee, up to her hip, before lifting her bad leg up to his other shoulder, sliding her to the edge of the bed, and licking into her. She took her time, slowly letting herself lean back onto her bed, letting him bring her to a soft, rolling peak, until she couldn’t handle it anymore, too sensitive for his persistent tongue, tugging on his jacket to bring him up over her to kiss the taste of herself out of his mouth.
“Stiff fingers?” She whispered into his mouth, and he laughed into her neck, letting her start top strip off his clothes, his jacket and shirt shed, his jeans shucked down until they hit his boots, and watching him stumble around trying to untie his boots and shuck his jeans at the same time brought her almost to tears, trying to laugh into her hands to keep from making too much noise, and then he was stumbling out of his pants and falling into bed, crawling over her sliding her up to the head of her bed, finding all of her new skin with her mouth as he went, until he found her mouth again. He settled in on top of her, kissing her soft and easy, letting his hands slide over her, finding new skin, travelling down until his fingers found purchase on her centre, sliding into her, his other hand threading into her hair, tugging just enough to expose her neck, letting him bite gently into it, his fingers in her heat bringing her up, up, up, and then backing away, up, up, up, and then backing away, until she was shaking, and then he lined himself, using the hand in her hair to lift her as he slid in, easy, until she was sitting up, letting her wrap her arms around his neck, using his hand to help move her hips, until she was falling apart around him, and he followed her only a few moments later. They stayed like that, for a moment, her fingers tracing patterns on his scalp and down his neck, over his shoulders, their feverish kisses slowing to soft, gently ones, until they were just breathing into each other, noses brushing. She stepped off him, finding his t-shirt on the floor, tossing him his underwear and sliding on her own, before tucking back in next to him on the bed, propping herself up on her elbows, tangling their legs together. He leaned up, kissing her softly.
“So… have i earned your story yet?” She smiled. He knew most of their story, they had shared as a group over moonshine one night. He knew about them being sent to earth, about their war with the mountain men, about their fight against ALIE, about her going to space with her friends, but she never really went into her own personal story with the group. She let Bellamy tell it, let Clarke tell it, let Murphy be snarky and Harper tell jokes, and Echo and Emori tell their own stories about Grounders. She kissed his shoulder.
“Tell me about you, tell me about life in the 21st century,” she smiled, biting into his shoulder, “what was it like?”
“You know what i miss the most?” She urged him on, smiling. “The music. There were so many artists, so many great bands. There was so much great old stuff, and the ship still has pretty much anything you could want in its old library, but man… new music? All the time? Sometimes i even miss the radio playing the same 3 songs over and over again.”
“tell me more…”
“When i was a kid, my family and I used to watch these really old movies, Star Wars they were called. There were like 11 or 12 of them, and we used to watch them over and over. The first three came out in the 70’s,” she looked puzzled, “the NINETEEN seventies! They were super old, but so good, about this group of magical people, of all kinds of alien races, it was set in space you see, who fought with laser swords and The Force, this like… magical power that they could control, that connected them all. Carrie Fisher, she played Princess Leia… man. What a babe.” She laughed into his arm. “We used to go on to the Great Lakes, up in Michigan, we’d take these weekend trips, me and my moms. Drive up to the lakes, with sleeping bags and camping stuff, and sleep out on the beach, under the stars. We’d build these huge bonfires, making sausages and s’mores-“
“Whats a s’more?”
She heard him mutter “you’re killing me, smalls” under his breath. “Movie reference, sorry. Ill explain later.” She smiled. “It was this awesome dessert. These sweet crackers, with cinnamon in them, and chocolate, with a marshmallow, which was just this puffy sugar ball basically, you’d catch it on fire and once it was all toasted, you’d squish it between the crackers… it was sticky and so sweet too many would make you sick, but man… Anyway, we’d go out to the lake, and spend all day swimming and playing in the sand, and then we’d build the big fire and eat and sleep under the stars. We’d go until it was too cold to go anymore.” He was reminiscent, and it was so endearing.
“Sounds delicious, tell me more about the food! I’ve heard stories that it was all terrible for you.” She tried to make it not so obvious that she was avoiding talking about his family, but he could tell. He looked soft, and grateful. He had told her before that the thing he missed most was his bike, which meant whatever stories there were about his family, they wouldn’t be happy stories.
“Oh man, SO terrible. Well… not all of it. We had vegetables and normal food, obviously. But fries… potatoes, sliced into pi.eces and fried in hot oil, man I could eat my weight in those. And tacos, you’d get them from trucks, slow cooked meat with all kinds of spices, served on warm corn tortillas with cilantro.” She didn’t know a lot of the foods he was talking about, but his nostalgia was so cute she couldn’t be bothered to stop him and ask about any of it.
He told her about his favourite movies, his favourite television shows, his favourite books, sang (terribly) a few bars of his favourite songs, until his voice was slurring with sleep and their bodies were heavy together on the bed. She tucked her face into his neck, and they fell asleep that way, surrounded by each others warm skin, the the soft memories of his life, a life she’d only ever dreamed about, only ever read about in books. She’d share her own stories later.
When they woke up the next morning, still wrapped around each other, his lips found hers again, and the rocked against each other, all warm and slow, easy and gentle, soft crests following each other, and they were pulling on clothes, helping each other, giggling into each others shoulders when he couldn’t tug her jeans up, and when they were fully dressed, he knelt in front of her, and laced up her brace, one strap at a time. He lifted her up off the bed, giving her a chance to wrap her arms up around his neck, kissing him with all she had in her.
“Would you look at that,” she said, zipping his jacket up, “no more stiff fingers.”
“I’m glad i could cure you” he laughed, lacing their fingers together, and walking out into the light, together.
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a-panda-reads-act-omega · 7 years ago
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ACT OMEGA PART 22
THE 03/17/17 UPDATE
HERE WE GO, finally an update with a BUNCH of pages for me to comment about. Page 115-126, how exciting. God I need to get better with intro’s I’m sorry.
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Heh, I like how everybody’s emotions are clear as day here. Anyways, nobody new’s here which makes me hope that this cast of characters will continue to interact and mingle.
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W o ah there, calm yourself Vriska. She’s not lookin pleased with Tavvy over there. Also, I love how this is literally the exact same panel other than Vriska.
VRISKA: Wh8t?! VRISKA: The hell are all of you st8ring at???????? MEENAH: 38/
WHAT? IT’S PERFECTLY NORMAL TO PASS OUT DURING A LIFE-THREATENING BATTLE AGAINST AN UNKILLABLE GOD.
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Fish gills changed a bit. This animation is also g re a t. I could literally watch Vriska just dust herself off for hours. God that sounded creepy. Fefefri is seeminnnn a lil taken aback here. And Meenah is real disappointed. Or just looking away to please Vriska, which would be cute but is probably not the case.
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I love how not good Vriska is at recovering from embarrassing moments.
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Oooohhh shit. Le’s behind the Juju im guessing, but that green hole is gettin closer and closer. They might need to start getting out of here soon.
VRISKA: What the hell just HAPPENED?
Homestuck happened.  And you passed out.
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Tavros raising his hand like a student. He would totally be the kind of student the teacher always has to pander to, even though the rest of the class is tired of hearing the same thing explained over and over.
TAVROS: dO YOU MEAN, tHE EXPLOSION,,,? TAVROS: oR,,, TAVROS: WAS IT AN ATTACK? TAVROS: iT WAS HARD TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE, TAVROS: sO MAYBE IT DOESN’T MATTER,,,
Was that explosion he’s talking about just the LE mouth blast? I think it’s an attack Tavros. Less of an explosion than it was a beam with boomy results.
VRISKA: Tavros, stop. VRISKA: Just, stop. Right now. I’m already twice over the limit of how much 8ullshit I can take in one day, and your irrit8ing voice is THIS close to giving me a head8che. TAVROS: uHHH,,,? VRISKA: Nope, too l8. Migr8ne city, popul8tion: me! Thanks a 8uttload, 8oy skylark. TAVROS: i,,,iM,,,sORRY,,,? DAVEPETASPRITE^2: B33 < yeah sorry about your head vwhiskers but i gotta interject here DAVEPETASPRITE^2: B33 < furst off your head hurts beclaws it got hit with a deadly fuckin laser pointer
Hahah. Get it? Laser pointer. Because. CAT. And also, holy shit Vriska got HIT with that?? Or was it just an explosion thingy FROM the laser pointer that knocked her out.
DAVEPETASPRITE^2: B33 < so blaming it on tavros f33ls purrty damn rude to me tbh DAVEPETASPRITE^2: B33 < but i dont really wanna get into a catfight with you right now DAVEPETASPRITE^2: B33 < or maybe not ever cause thats just like NOPE no thanks
You’re the best Davepeta. Almost as great as Vriska.
DAVEPETASPRITE^2: B33 < cranky vriska? ill pass on that DAVEPETASPRITE^2: B33 < especially since there are like DAVEPETASPRITE^2: B33 < way more important things to be dealing with! DAVEPETASPRITE^2: B33 < so ill let it slide fur now B33 DAVEPETASPRITE^2: B33 < as you were saying tavros?
So can Davepeta just be Tavros’ wingman? Because holy shit that’d be great. Actually, could this be the beginning of a beautiful PALE ROMANCE?? Probably not because ARquius is totally their soulmate.
TAVROS: wELL,,, tHANK YOU, fOR SPEAKING ON MY BEHALF, eVEN IF IT WASN’T STRICTLY NECESSARY,
It was necessary tavros.
TAVROS: uHHHH,,,
My point exactly.
TAVROS: bIRD NEPETA? TAVROS: oR, wHOEVER YOU ARE, DAVEPETASPRITE^2: B33 < youre half right! DAVEPETASPRITE^2: B33 < its davepeta TAVROS: oH, TAVROS: oKAY, TAVROS: sO,,,dAVEPETA,,, TAVROS: dO YOU THINK IT WAS AN ATTACK OR AN EXPLOSION? DAVEPETASPRITE^2: B33 < tavros DAVEPETASPRITE^2: B33 < are you holding onto your socks because im about to blow them the fuck off DAVEPETASPRITE^2: B33 < i think it was an attack DAVEPETASPRITE^2: B33 < that was ALSO an explosion DAVEPETASPRITE^2: B33 < >B33 TAVROS: }:o
:o MAN, Davepeta you need to chill! I have to go get dressed now, because you just blew my entire OUTFIT off! from shirt to shorts, nothing could withstan the sheer FORCE of your shocking observation.
VRISKA: UGH!!!!!!!!
Shut up Vriska.
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Oh. We also got a Porrim back there. And, I guess that’s just Kankri? Maybe the same one, maybe a different? Vriska needs to chill though.
VRISKA: I don’t have TIME for this! VRISKA: Who gives a shit if it was an att8ck or WH8TEVER!!!!!!!! VRISKA: Am I the really only person who c8res about m8king sure the most evil fucker in all of paradox space is FINALLY DE8D FOR GOOD?!?!?!?! VRISKA: Isn’t that what we r8sed an entire army for?? VRISKA: The army that is NOWH8RE TO 8E FOUND, 8Y THE W8Y!!!!!!!!
I think they’re all d e a d Vriska. And you’re assuming way too much of this group of NINCOMPOOPS. They literally are just doing whatever.
MEENAH: vriska VRISKA: WH8T!!!!!!!! MEENAH: you need to krill out for a sec
Exactly. Krill out girl.
VRISKA: NO, *YOU* “KRILL OUT”!!!!!!!! VRISKA: I AM N8T GOING TO KRILL IN A SINGLE FUCKING DIRECTION UNTIL SOME8ODY DECIDES TO OPEN THEIR MOUTH AND FILL ME IN ON WH8T THE FUCK JUST HAPPENED!!!!!!!! MEENAH: the armys gone
Yup. Everybody fucking died via death laser.
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FFS CHILL Vriska.
VRISKA: GONE?! VRISKA: No SHIT, they’re GONE! VRISKA: Do YOU see a throng of expenda8le, huddled masses anywh8re near8y, Meenah?? 8ecause if so, NOW WOULD 8E A GR8 TIME TO LET ME KNOW! MEENAH: ...
Calm down Vriska, before you push away the people that AREN’T dead. I mean, who know’s if these guys even care enough to keep working for you anyways. I’d say Meenah’s the last person you should be yelling at.
VRISKA: No?? That’s what I fucking THOUGHT. VRISKA: Th8nk you SO much for that astute o8serv8tion! VRISKA: That sure clears up JACK SQU8T! VRISKA: Now how a8out we get 8ack to the LESS immedi8tly o8vious! VRISKA: Gone WHERE? And more importantly, WHY! MEENAH: listen serks i could really do without the attitide MEENAH: if you took two seconds to breathe you could prolly figure it out yourself MEENAH: but if itll help you clam down...
Exactly, Clam down Vriska. Because it doesn’t take a goddamn genius to figure out they’re all dead.
VRISKA: It DEFIN8TELY will. So spill!!!!!!!! MEENAH: they got blasted VRISKA: Are you serious? VRISKA: He took out EVERYONE? In one hit?! MEENAH: nah not all of em MEENAH: but a lotta double death happened yeah MEENAH: i mean the weapon didnt do flip of what it was SUPPOS-ED to do as far as i could tell MEENAH: it did a pretty good job of sheildin our asses MEENAH: (youre whalecome btw)
Meenah, you’re the true hero here. I mean a calm troll who’s powerful, smart, and only sometimes out of order? I’d say that’s the best kinda troll we can get.
MEENAH: but anybody who didnt get behind it MEENAH: definitely got fried VRISKA: So? Where’s Lord English now?? VRISKA: 8ecause if we need to track him down, we need to get on that like, yesterday!
He isn’t still there? I thought he’d just be doing some angry lord english stuff. Hopefully he isn’t causing too much trouble.......
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MEENAH: uh MEENAH: dudes still havin a tantrum over there actually
Oh. I was r i g h t .
VRISKA: Then why the hell are we all the w8y out here?! MEENAH: look vriska MEENAH: the plan didnt work MEENAH: you got KOd or passed out or whatever the shell MEENAH: and the army got gutted MEENAH: so i figured the only sensible fin to do was a tactical retreat VRISKA: Okay, fine. That WAS pretty sensi8le. MEENAH: except MEENAH: most of everyone didnt STOP retreatin MEENAH: no matter what inspirational crab i threw at them VRISKA: .......
Oh.
Oh.
so there WERE more survivors, but the most’ve them just bailed on the scene. Damn. Well, who can blame them? Double death isn’t for everyone I suppose.
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Well ARADIA sure seems happy :D
MEENAH: sorry aboat your head by the way MEENAH: ill admit that was my bad MEENAH: aint easy to haul ass in sand with dead weight over your shoulder
To the people behind ACT OMEGA: You better get me a gif of Meenah dragging Vriska face down through the sand.
ARADIA: hey! ARADIA: at least theres a bright side to all this
Of COURSE there is AA.
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Awe. This team charge hug is actually kinda precious. Tavros’ little smile, and Aradia’s “appreciate him!” look.
ARADIA: tavros convinced a few people to stay ARADIA: right? :D
Oh, well that’s good then! So far, I know we have... Tavros, Aradia, Sollux, Kankri, Porrim, Mituna, Feferi, Latula, Vriska, Meenah, Davepeta, and possibly more.
TAVROS: i DID, TAVROS: tHROUGH THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP,
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TAVROS: aND A LARGE QUANTITY OF WORDS, sPOKEN DIRECTLY FROM THE HEART, TAVROS: eVEN THOUGH IT WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER IF ALL OF THEM HAD STAYED, i THINK, TAVROS: tHERE IS A PART OF ME THAT ALSO THOUGHT LEAVING MIGHT HAVE BEEN A GOOD IDEA,,, TAVROS: cONSIDERING, hOW THINGS LOOK PRETTY HOPELESS NOW, TAVROS: bUT THAT PART OF ME IS THE ONE THAT MISSED OUT ON THE COMPLETION, oF MY SUCCESSFUL AND FULFILLING CHARACTER ARC,
He get’s so cocky sometimes, but it’s the kind of cocky where he’s nervous he’s not looking cocky in the right way. What the hell am I typing. I just love how self aware he is.
TAVROS: wHICH IS WHAT THE MAJORITY OF THE REST OF ME IS COMPRISED OF, TAVROS: eSPECIALLY THE PARTS THAT WERE KICKING LORD ENGLISH IN THE FACE, nOT TOO LONG AGO, TAVROS: aND TRUTHFULLY, i AM STILL PRETTY FIRED UP, fROM THAT, TAVROS: sO I IGNORED THE COWARDLY IMPULSE, aND INSTEAD STAYED TO HELP MY FRIENDS, sEE THIS UNDERTAKING THROUGH TO THE END, TAVROS: aND THERE WERE SOME PEOPLE, wHO AGREED WITH ME, TAVROS: wHICH ARE THE PEOPLE WHO ARE HERE, pRESENTLY,
Goddammit, these people aren’t the brightest. They had to have stayed with him out of pity. If all of your friends are running away, and the only person asking you to stay and fight an unkillable demon was T A V R O S .
You’d run.
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Sollux doesn’t wanna be here.
ARADIA: see? sollux and i even stayed to help too ARADIA: in fact were all here to help ARADIA: well maybe some of us are here mostly out of curiosity SOLLUX: 0r b0red0m.
Or pity. Or self-hate. Or a deathwish.
ARADIA: or that too! or maybe even a mishmash of all sorts of motivations ARADIA: but whatever the reason we are on your side ARADIA: so i get the feeling if you dont lighten up a little ARADIA: some of us might suddenly have a lot more of a reason to join the others ARADIA: and find something else to do
Nice way of putting it Aradia. Vriska really needs to Clam down and Krill out, because she’s gonna lose the few she has with her still.
OH SHIT THAT’S THE END OF THE UPDATE. Well then, that’d be my cue to sleep. it’s 2:15 AM an I have summerschool in 5 hours. gnight folks. 
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comicteaparty · 7 years ago
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September 28th, 2017 CTP Archive
The archive for the Comic Tea Party chat that occurred on September 28th, 2017, from 5PM - 7PM PDT.  The chat focused on Radio Silence by Vanessa Stefaniuk.
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Featured Comment:
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Chat:
RebelVampire
Good day everyone~! This week’s Comic Tea Party is now officially beginning. Today we are discussing Radio Silence by Vanessa Stefaniuk~! (http://www.radiosilencecomic.com/) For those new to CTP, discussions about the comic are freeform, so please feel free to bring up whatever you wish. However, every 30 minutes I will be dropping in a discussion question to help those who would like a prompt. These questions are totally OPTIONAL to answer so pay them no mind if you wish~! Remember, constructive criticism is allowed, but the primary focus here is to have fun and appreciate the amazing comics that the community makes~! Each chat a top comment will be picked and featured on an ad for this chat, so let’s have a great discussion~! With that said, let us begin with this first question~!
QUESTION 1. What is your favorite scene in the comic so far and why?
wishjacked
YAYYYY, the Radio Silence chat!! Full disclosure I didn't get the chance to read it this week, so I'm a little rusty on the early chapters, but it's been one of my favorites for a good while and I'm so excited to talk about it!!!
This comic has such a good sense of pacing-- it feels a little weird to say ALL the scenes are my favorite, but honestly the entire comic is fantastic scene after fantastic scene, so it's really hard to choose!!
RebelVampire
im glad you enjoy it. i personally find the pacing harder to get into. not that i think its bad or anything persay, cause its a really well-made comic. i find it really borderlines between being paced as if its a story and paced if its a documentary. so for me its a bit hard at times cause i cant decide what its trying to be. but thats one of the few critical things id have to say about it
MathTans
Hellooooo. Favourite scene is tricky, but I'm going to go with the one where Wren insists she's staying in the same room with the band, rather than going with Liz. Feels like it shows the group dynamic, while also hinting at Wren having some sort of relationship (even abandonment?) issues.
wishjacked
That makes sense!! Especially with the video narration of the prologue, I agree that the narrative framing does feel a liiiiil disjointed at times.
MathTans
One thing I'll say I'm impressed with is how, while some characters do seem to be a bit more central, there's time devoted to all of the band members. That's a balancing act that I don't think I'd be able to pull off.
wishjacked
And hello, MathTans!! That's a good favorite scene, I wouldn't have thought of that
RebelVampire
@math ah yeah that was a nice scene. it kind of resonated with me a bit cause ive been in wren's position of having mostly male friends. and sometimes you just want to hang with the bros and forget about the teensy tiny detail youre female
MathTans
I thought the prologue was clever, but I can see where you're coming from. Like, Shy was having issues dealing with graduating and the band... and then there's a bit of a time skip and they're celebrating the fact that he's finished. Which is fine, guess I just thought more might happen with that. I'm not sure what more, but it felt bigger somehow.
My mind works different sometimes. ^.^ That's cool, Rebel, seeing it from that perspective.
RebelVampire
yeah i do like how the prologue was. it may give me mixed feelings on how the story is paced and framed, but i thought it was an ingenius way to throw out exposition stuff about the band's history without it seeming weird(edited)
wishjacked
I really really love "how the team met" prologues so honestly whatever the narrative dissonance it might cause it is so worth it to me as a reader. I love all its little backstory hints, and I think it gives a lovely introduction to each of the characters!!
MathTans
Starting with Brent's hair being cut too is kind of clever, when they flash back his hair is longer again so you can tell when that's a thing. ^.^
wishjacked
And YEAH, REBEL, SAME HERE. if all my bros are hanging out I want to be included too!!!!!!!!
RebelVampire
one thing i also like about the prologue is you can get some quick sense of all the characters. for a lot of comics that start with a sizeable cast like that, you either usually gotta take a long time for intros or you get bombarded and have to work at it to keep all the characters straight. but i never really felt overwhelmed in this comic. like the prologue was just long enough for me to get a sense of each character and their role without it feeling it dragged. so when it starts jumping into the rest of the story, i felt like i had a good grasp on at least why each person was there. so even if i didnt remember a name at first, i could be like "oh yeah thats the bassist, and thats the etc."
MathTans
That's true. Seeing them in the order they appeared helped with that also, clever that Shy (the last one) was used as narrator as well. Something else that I found interesting... I don't really have a favourite. Like, with a band there's the tendency to say "that's my favourite member" but for me they all have their points, going both ways.
wishjacked
Yes, I agree!! I think it also really helps that the character designs and artist's style make it easy to visually differentiate between folks
MathTans
I probably relate closest to Shy, but then there's the piercings, and no. I get Wren's tendency to have difficulty letting go of the past, but she's also high energy, which is not me. Matt's cool in standing up for people and looking out for the group dynamic, but he's also doing that in a leadership role, and so forth. It's interesting. No real fave. All just well rounded.
RebelVampire
yeah i do like that, that every person in the comic is visually very distinct. like even all the guys have different hair styles which is a boon to me cause when it comes to male characters i tend to find its easy to make the hairstyles too similar and thus all the guys blend.
MathTans
Matt's beard took a few strips for me to get used to.
RebelVampire
i really like the contrast between shy being, well, shy yet being bold enough to get non standard piercings. like i really like this comic went out of its way to portray an introvert as something other than a dorky, shutin
MathTans
Good point, nice that they're not just trotting out stereotypes.
Wren seems bisexual. That's an interesting angle too.
It was done really clever, kind of in the background of the prologue with her and that female member of the Sirens. Then we have the more "traditional" m-f relationship being teased at, but that history was still there, able to come forwards without being out of left field.(edited)
In my opinion anyway.
RebelVampire
yeah. in the case of wren in particular i like how smartly her past is incorporated with how her character is portrayed. so even though she is who she is, theres small details like the insomnia that you can really tell are caused by stuff that happened in the past and shaped who she is today
QUESTION 2. While a lot of the focus is given to Shy, the other characters aren’t without their mysteries or pasts. Wren has hints of a life filled with abuse, Matt has a mysterious video call with someone, etc. Which character’s past are you most interested in uncovering? Do you think it’ll be uncovered or will it forever be a secret? Do you have theories on their pasts or how they’ll affect the story later on?
MathTans
I think Wren's is going to come out, probably sooner rather than later, what with her visualizing Sirens Girl (I suck at names) and it morphing into someone from her past (which was a neat effect). I'm of two minds about that, I'm interested, but I wonder how much it will change her character dynamic with the others for them to know about it, and I kind of like the dynamic how it is. I think they'll do a good job with it though.
RebelVampire
i do think wren's past is gonna come out to at least shy. idk if i think itll be soon though. i think shell continue to avoid it for a while longer.
MathTans
I think some of the Brent and Willow past stuff has been referenced, but might come more to the forefront later, now that she's around them more. Colbie seems to have family issues, including his mother passing, though I'll admit I'm less interested there - in part because I find myself shaking my head sometimes at his character (dude, pay attention to time, and it's not all about Wren-dating). Matt somehow makes things interesting no matter what he's doing.
Yeah, in particular because Shy's kind of oblivious. "Wren's crying? Oh, here, I just gotta take this call."
So I shake my head at more than Colbie. Like, don't get me wrong, it's great and makes them human, and it's probably good that it gets me invested. I've even shaken my head at Wren (the piercing). Just, oy, priorities Shy.
wishjacked
Ahaha, I was actually going to say I was most interested in Colbie!!
RebelVampire
the only time i felt myself truly shaking my head is when brent pulled the "im disappoint in you" thing with shy. cause i just felt for someone so close to shy, he still doesnt quite get what an introvert means when they talk about a relationship being draining.
MathTans
To each our own. I can see Colbie being set up for later plot, with the money chats too.
wishjacked
I felt like both Brent and Shy were understanding that conversation completely differently.
RebelVampire
yeah i have to say colbie is one of the characters im a bit more intrigued by cause hes the one who has the least past hints. like brent has willow, wren has these abusive things, shy has the sammy stuff. but colbie (and matt too to a degree), have slight hints but then its just left sitting as plot threads to focus on shy and/or wren
wishjacked
Yeah! I just like Colbie to be fair, he's a goof
MathTans
I can see that, Rebel. At the same time, it needs to be someone close to Shy who pushes him. But I wasn't really sure about Brent's shipping. (I'm still not. I think Colbie might have a thing for Wren, and the only reason he's not putting it out there is because of how they're in the band together. Which might be a problem if Wren and Shy do get together.)
Colbie needs to be more self aware, in my opinion. Whereas Shy's the reverse, he doesn't get other people too well.
RebelVampire
yeah the wren/shy shipping thing im not sure where its going. like wren did get sort of jealous about sammy, but why? does she like shy? does she just want shy to only be close to her as a friend cause she needs that? or is this gonna develop into some sort of toxic, co-dependent thing because of wren's past abuse where she clings to shy cause she feels hes safe
so many ways it could go
yeah i agree colbie's character flaw is hes not really that aware.
which i really liked that scene where him and matt were talking about money
and it just didnt click with colbie that ppl would feel indebted to him despite him saying "nah bro its cool"
MathTans
I'm not sure if it was jealousy? Like, Shy showed her a picture and said Sammy was somewhere that Wren knew she wasn't, so was it all, 'Is Shy playing me? Is Sammy playing Shy? Why am I even doing this to myself?' Like, I don't think she's in a good place where relationships are (boundaries need to be clear, though I don't think she's the type) but yeah, could go a few ways.
Truth. Money, much like politics, is the way to start arguments without trying.
RebelVampire
yeah. which in this case its sad cause its not even like colbie wants to be vindictive about it. just wants them to have some cool band stuff.
tbh of all the characters i want to know wtf is going on is matt
cause of that video call
cause he clearly has something secret
and i feel like its one thats gonna tear the band apart
like whoops surprise hes dying or something
MathTans
I thought maybe that was just another call to his relative in the US? Could be I'm misremembering.
RebelVampire
it could be. i was unsure what their relationship was
but either where there are secrets to be had cause she did ask him if hed said anything or something like that
MathTans
Gotcha. Guess I wasn't focussed closely on it. I mean, I have a suspicion that there will be some sort of falling out, after that which might be when Matt brings up some secret - though maybe that will help to pull them together?(edited)
RebelVampire
okay description says she's matt's cousin and apparently its a crossover with another comic of some sort?
http://www.radiosilencecomic.com/comic/104
ah yeah its the page after that
where she asks if matt told them and hes like "you crazy of course i ahvent"
RebelVampire
QUESTION 3. The comic puts a lot of emphasis on navigating relationships. Given that the main characters are in a band together, this puts extra pressure on them to have harmonious relationships while practically living on top of each other. Do you think the group will be able to maintain cordial relationships and succeed as a band? Will the band’s success affect their relationships positively or negatively? Are there other ways you think their work as a band will be affected by their relationships or changes in them?
MathTans
Riiiight. Now I follow.
RebelVampire
idk. i mean i could see the secret being nothing too. it was just the one mystery that gave me pause
MathTans
Heh, "harmonious" relationships. I see what you did there.
We all read different things into it, that's what makes it good!
I do feel like something's going to drive a wedge. Whether it's the characters' pasts, Shy-When-Colbie, or something external, I'm not sure, but something, and Matt will have his hands full as Brent is sad about it. But maybe they'll pull together after that?
RebelVampire
right now im considering that maybe ego gets to someone. cause even tho they all seem down to earth to a degree, a lot of bands break up cause someone gets too big of a head once their fame starts taking off.
or something could happen
like say for instance someone is like "we wanna sign matt for a record deal but just matt"
and matt is like no but the others are like no matt you should do it, its a great opportunity
cue all dem tensions
MathTans
Yeah, that's possible, if a bit cliche. Pretty sure Matt wouldn't go for it though.
Unless he's got that terminal disease or something. ^.^
Speaking of the band though - OMG. Actual written music in the comic during concerts? Audio tracks to listen to on the side? Thematic music as well? Daaaamn, that can't be easy. (Can it?) Like, whoa, talk about extra workload.
RebelVampire
nah i was honestly just mentally comparing radio silence to nana which is also about a band and as much as i love nana, it does not portray written music that well. even in the anime they kind of cheat it which is sad.
this comic went all out with the music
http://www.radiosilencecomic.com/cast
i appreciate that the cast page even has little playlists for each character
MathTans
Gotcha. Yeah, I'm not as well read in terms of other things out there. ^.^ But I do have a music minor so I have a sense of things. Also, yeah, noticed that on the cast page. Lots of extra thought there that I wouldn't have even considered. Much kudos.
I wonder if the characters came first, inspiring the writing of music, or if it was the other way around. Or some combination.
RebelVampire
id assume some combination.
hard to say tho
MathTans
Probable.
Like, there was even a guitar riff recording at one point.
RebelVampire
it really depends on how the development for the story played about. but usually its a symbiotic thing. so theyll usually tangle up where say the characters coming first influences the music which influences the characters which influences the music and so on
MathTans
Well, points for authenticity or whatnot.
Also, mouse rollovers. These things take time to think of, I know. ^.^
RebelVampire
yeah. it a really detailed comic. although i think the music aspects i think its good they took the time for that.
since thats pretty integral to the story
that the band part of it feels legit
MathTans
yis. Adds credibility too, towards knowing the genre you're writing in.
I wonder if anyone doing the writing/drawing were in a band, or know someone who is?
RebelVampire
ah according to the about page a family member composes the music for the comic
so they know someone who at least knows about music
MathTans
I think I rememer reading in the below-comic remarks that it was original music. Impressive.
Also, the languages! (I keep tangenting here, but...) I don't know from German or Scottish but it's cool that the characters speak it, and that it's translated in the below-comic remarks.
RebelVampire
yeah i like that they kept the theme of diff languages considering theyre in europe and closer to where ppl speak those languages
i took german in college so shy was kind of nostalgic to a degree when he spoke it
MathTans
More of that authenticity angle.
RebelVampire
i have to say i really liked that touch that the barista or w/e at the counter replied to shy in english instead of german. cause this is actually a discerning cultural phenomenon in germany atm where english is becoming super widely used in business instead of german
MathTans
Really? I didn't know that. I thought maybe the counter person was just used to speaking to tourists or something. Neat.
(I was in Germany years ago for a relative's wedding. I let my wife do all the talking and just smiled hopefully.)
RebelVampire
it might have just been a tourist thing. i cant say for sure the comic knew this culture thing. but even if it was unintentional i thought it was a nice touch. not to say for sure i know how widespread it is either. i just know from taking german that its a concern thats going on.
which to be fair its easy to mix the languages cause german and english both have the same germanic roots
MathTans
That's fair. Also, truth.
Maybe if they get Sammy to say something to show she's not German that'll cause her house of cards to fall.
RebelVampire
QUESTIONS 4. In the most recent events of the comic, Shy is rekindling a relationship with an old friend named Sammy. However, the rest of the band is clearly suspicious of Sammy’s intentions, which the comic shows is a well-founded suspicion. What do you think Sammy’s end game is by getting close to the band? Do you think Shy will eventually see the light? Or, is this going to be an issue that causes a rift in the band for a while?
MathTans
makes marks on his segue sheet
Seems like she wants to get close to Matt, for some reason, since he's the leader. Maybe she hopes to take his money or get free meals? Real tough to say. She doesn't seem the brightest bulb, but she can think on her feet, which makes her dangerous.(edited)
I think Shy will be forced to see the light, meaning confronting the fact that his childhood actually sucked because the one person he thought he could count on was horrible, and he'll withdraw, and that's what will force Wren's childhood issues into the light, and they might either bond over it, or it'll be a huge wrench between them. Possibly Brent gets them to heal each other.
RebelVampire
it could be sammy just thinks matt is hot and wants to date him. is just a matt fangirl in disguise. she definitely isnt the brightest bulb cause i think to anyone with eyes its clear what shes up to by flirting with matt. unless youre shy. then its just a friend being a friend
personally i dont think wren will be able to do much for shy cause i just dont think shes emotionally fit at the moment to handle it. but i dont think shy is gonna be that crushed and if anything, i think the rest of the band will remind him that theyre his friends now
his really cool friends
wishjacked
Ahaha, sorry, had to head out for a bit.
MathTans
I suppose that's possible, yes. And yeah, Wren wouldn't really make a good psychologist, I was thinking more in terms of levels. Like, it's bad for Shy, but bad in a different way (or worse?) for her.
Yay for friends. ^.^ wb, wj.
wishjacked
Sammy has been a very strange addition the the story, her intensions are still so... Vague?? Like it seems like she's lying about a lot of things that aren't necessary for any kind of plot... why would it matter that she lives in Germany, for example? Why would she need to specify that false detail? It's just... what? Sammy, whY?????????
MathTans
Because Sammy wants to be someone she's not.
Heh, maybe she's been playing some guitar? And wants to make music with Matt?
RebelVampire
yeah i have to admit if shes just trying to get close to the band, theres no reason to lie about being in germany
LOL omg
this is some elaborate plot so she can give them her demo tape XD
/crack theory
MathTans
Maybe not so crazy. She read up on all the members.
wishjacked
And I feel really bad for when Shy inevitably uncovers the truth about her, but it's a relief to me that the majority of the rest of the team easily sees through her act. I think that'll make it much easier for them to all bounce back-- you can already tell that a lot of the band is already protecting anyone from being more hurt by her than necessary.
I love that crack theory and I accept it
MathTans
Yeah, that's true. Matt definitely stands up for the others, he's good people. Awkward that it's happening the same time as Wren's issues.
RebelVampire
tbh tho i think that trait of matt's will create conflict. if not now, then later. cause while its nice he wants to protect his friends, he may be a bit overly aggressive about it. which for wren is okay, but for someone like shy i think thats gonna come off in a bad way
MathTans
I can see that.
Also, quick aside about Liz? What was the deal with her and that woman with the Sirens?
She may have things going on too.
RebelVampire
oh man, that moment really bugged me. wanted to slap that woman (i think here name was pandora?) so hard. cause the business person in me was like "this is so unprofessional what are you doing @_@"
yeah its pandora
MathTans
Yeah, like wtf. I wasn't sure, was she implying she and Liz were an item? Or was she being flirty just to prove a point somehow.
Like, to get even more under Liz's nerves.
RebelVampire
i got the feeling they were an item but just guessing. they clearly had a past relationship of sorts
wishjacked
I read it as a power play-- Liz seemed disgusted by Pandora, and Pandora seemed to both know and relish the effect she was having on her.
MathTans
Hm. I also wonder a bit about having Wren be bisexual and Liz be either lesbian or bisexual too. Though I suppose there's Willow. Maybe I'm just worried because there's lots of guys in the cast who seem straight.
Could've been a power thing too.
wishjacked
oh, I do know that the author has said Liz is aro/ace.
MathTans
Poor Liz though. Has to deal with all the bookings and venues, and then the interpersonal things on top of that.
RebelVampire
maybe they were business rivals in the past
MathTans
OH! Gotcha. That's interesting then, and different from Wren (I gather). Still wonder about it being the females who go against the norm, but aro is good for representation that you don't see a lot of.
Maybe. There's that past coming up again.
Also, I hate myself for saying "the norm". Like, I'm too into mainstream or something. Blah. Must be tired.
The tourism stuff coming up could be interesting. I won't know if Sammy's lying, I know so little about the area. ^_^
RebelVampire
to be honest i dont know how sammy being a bad tourist guide proves much XD if someone said "hey rebel, show me the landmarks around town" id be like "there are landmarks here?"
MathTans
Maybe she does too good a job, that's how they know. No person who lives here knows about that stuff.
Matt's cunning though, I like that. Also, his fondness for symmetry.
RebelVampire
theyre like "wow its like you read wikipedia"
MathTans
(Shy's asymmetry could bother me too. ^.^ )
RebelVampire
Unfortunately, the scheduled Comic Tea Party is now complete~! Thank you everyone so much for joining this week’s chat~! That being said, if you would like to continue discussing the comic, we encourage you to do so~! We want to give a big thank you to Vanessa Stefaniuk, as well, for volunteering Radio Silence for our reading queue. If you liked the comic, please be sure to support Vanessa Stefaniuk’s efforts. If you have questions, concerns, or suggestions about CTP, please feel free to PM me, or e-mail me at [email protected].
With that said, next week’s Comic Tea Party will focus on Galebound by Respheal. Please use this week to read as much of the comic as you would like. Hope to see you next Thursday (October 5th) from 5PM to 7PM PDT~! Until then~! Comic: http://www.galebound.com/
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apsbicepstraining · 7 years ago
Text
The Evaluators: To Trade With Aliens, You Must Accommodate
CogNet init: Paul SRINIVASAN
Recip: Thandiwe SOLOMON
Datime: 2206.12.15.16: 45
[ Optimized by CogNet !]
Thandi, the commission on human rights referendums Tuesday. The teams disappearance isnt the main issue, but I dont like how theyre hasten this. Facilitate me out here, OK? Off the record.
Thread reply from Thandiwe SOLOMON
So tell me how that billable hours thought works for you lawyers. Because I might, I dont know, actually have a chore of my own.
Thread reply from Paul SRINIVASAN
Please! [ Conceptual embed with caption: man bowing with sides pressed together] What do you want? Dinner? Vacation? Hours of mind-bending sex? Because I would do that for you, Thandi. No relinquish is too great.
Thread reply from Thandiwe SOLOMON
You already told me you let your Spermicept patch expire. Stand the blaze away from me. What happened to Weis personal logs?
Thread reply from Paul SRINIVASAN
Gremlins? The slowdown is reasonably severe for this missiontwo years. Not enough black hole for a better communicate, or something like that. Ill see if I can find them. So, they snack her, right? They absolutely ate her.
Thread reply from Thandiwe SOLOMON
No. I dont think they devour her.
Recall transcript, WEI Aihua
Meeting with neighbourhood Influential 1
Datime 2204.1.22.10: 10
[ Optimized by Cognet !]
[ All sensory recall except auditory muffled to aid lightstreaming .]
So what would you like to know, evaluator?
Tell me more of your parties, Adoration China.
If you dont mind, would you call me Aihua, delight?
Oh? Your aide be pointed out that your figures sometimes have meaning.
Yes, but [ laughter] That doesnt mean we like those meanings.
N. K. Jemisin
About
N. K. Jemisins speculative fiction has been nominated for the Hugo, the Nebula, and the World Fantasy Award. The first book in her Broken Earth trilogy, The Fifth Season, won the 2016 Hugo Award for Best Novel . The Stone Sky, the third largest notebook in the serial, comes out this August .
Ah. Please forgive, Aihua. Your expression still confuses.
Im stunned by your facility with my own language, actually.
We become aware of First Contact team.
Yes, but weve had just as much time to learn your language, and well. [ WEI caption: Here I attempt to speak in Manka C. The Manka word for modification translates inadequately. Its implication is more like submission? fitness ?] We am still terrifying/ poor at adaptation.
[ RATCHETING SOUND. WEI CAPTION: MANKA LAUGHTER. THANKFULLY HE RETURNS THE CONVERSATION TO ENGLISH .] It is true, you do not adapt quick as we. But that is expected. You are not evaluators.
Ah, yes. Since you mentioned that, if I may askwhat exactly is your role? Ive asked Hashish, the nurturer whos been evidencing me around, but it was unclear.
I am evaluator.
But what does that intend? What do you assess?
Everything. Parties. World.
For what purpose?
[ SILENCE FOR 2.5 SECONDS] I do not understand, Aihua.
On my world, beings evaluate procedures, achievements. For the purpose of improving them.
Yes. Improvement. Adaptation. Same with us.
I see?
You do not.
Sorry, I
It takes time for beings so different to accommodate. You do well. No is necessary to fear.
Thank you. Ouch!
The shells of [ RECALL BLUR. WEI CAPTION: LOCAL DELICACY, UNPRONOUNCEABLE] are sharp. You are disabled? Shall I summon humans?
No, Im fine, itll stop in a minute. Could you give me something toyes, thank you. Most of your biologicals are innocuous to us, and vice versa. I just hate that Im bleeding on this lovely cloth.
It is unimportant. More?
Yes, delight, its yummy. Youre an good cook.
[ Auditory recall ends. Interpret gustatory reminisce, 2204.1.22.10: 15, for renewal .]
Team Clog of TE Mission, Dar-Mankana
Post by WEI AihuaPublic
Datime 2204.1.20.19: 30
[ Optimized by Cognet !]
My first professor in sapio told me never to Earthropomorphize xenospecies, but the first thing that leapt into my thought when I met them was that the Manka look like upright cheetahs( cheetae ?). Males and females are indistinguishable to my attentions, lean and deep-chested, while nurturers, the third largest fornication, are noticeably more muscular and squarely improved. I pride myself in that my subconscious at least selected a predatory Earth analogue, which should deter me from loosening my protect too much.
Comment from WANG
Its simply cheetahs. And you have three PhDs?
Comment from WEI
None of them are in linguistics, OK? Shut up.
Tomer Hanuka
Team Clog of TE MissionDar-Mankana
Post by WEI AihuaTeamlock
Datime 2204.1.23.11: 50
[ Optimized by Cognet !]
I could KILL Rafkind and the whole First Contact team! What Neanderthal decided to tell the Manka about Christianity? This is exactly why the UC censored Americans from TE teams.
Fortunately, the district potentate seemed more entertained than anything by the idea of one mans demise absolving the incorrects of an entire species. Just one? Cute.
Now Im wondering what else FC screwed up.
FC Report Detail p. 67: Culture Notes
Datime: 2201.4.7.14: 40
[ Optimized by Cognet !]
[ Auditory embed with caption: Manka adoration chant? Recallers: Multiple; public action .]
My love sings behind me
And touches the nape of my neck
I do not look around
My heart flappings fast with fear.
FC Report Detail p. 224: Culture Notes
Recall by First Contact Team Member John RAFKIND
Datime: 2201.5.13.9: 24
[ Optimized by Cognet !]
[ Auditory embed with caption: Observed class 2 Deceptive ideation .]
Whoa.
Whoa?
Apologies. A colloquialism.
Ah. We must learn more of your world so that we may adapt to these colloquialisms.
That would certainly be possible after Trade Establishment, Hashish.
Why did you express a colloquialism, John?
Uh, well the male Manka walking by with that group of children. For some reason, when he look back me, I got the creeer, I find uneasy.
That was an evaluator.
An evaluator of what?
[ RaTcheting sound. RAFKIND caption: I think that was a laugh ?] Many things, at many times. For now, those children.
Were all six of those the evaluators juveniles?
There were three children, John.
Three? I didnt get a good review, but Im sure I appreciated more.
There were three children.
[ Recall ends .]
Team Clog of TE MissionDar-Mankana
Post by Angela WHETONPublic
Datime 2204.1.24.12: 40
[ Optimized by Cognet !]
Did some additional examines of the southeast central continent today. Those palladium sediments Have you guys heard the stock tolls since the CogNet-Pallenergy merger? My God, I might actually get out of student loan debt before I die.
Also noticed an rare concentration of calcium in various accumulations around the city. Hector proceeded with one of the locals to check out a nearby locate and was shown an open-pit tomb. [ VISUAL OVERRIDE EMBED WITH CAPTION: LONG, ORDERLY ROWS OF SEVERAL HUNDRED CLEAN, POLISHED BONES, ORGANIZED BY TYPE .] Each pit is several hundred hoofs deep, bones layered with dirt. Local announced bones the price paid. Ritual? Tag for sapiology review.
OhHector has asked me to note for government officials team log his hypothesis that the burial pits are f__ing creepy-crawly. So noted.
Recall transcript, WEI Aihua
Meeting with local Influential 2
Datime 2204.1.24.13: 10
[ Optimized by Cognet !]
[ All sensory recall except auditory smothered to aid lightstreaming .]
Forgive me for staring, evaluator. Its only that you gaze so different.
I have strained greatly to adapt because we last fit. Does my form satisfy you?
I dont certainly know what to become of it. You ogle
More like you.
Yes.
This distres you.
Surprises me, evaluator. On my planet “theres” souls that can change their coloration to blend in with the environment, but [ Visual override embed with WEI caption: The evaluators face. Memo the abbreviate of the muzzle and repositioning of the ears, at slopes of the foreman rather than the top .]
It has been difficult, yes. Your beings are strangely configured. Even more strange, inside.
How do you
Your bloods preference is most amusing. [ Pause] I have no goal of devouring you, Aihua.
[ Laughter] Uh, sorry. On my nature well. Our recreation are a lot of unnerving men that want to gobble us down.
Entertainment? But your parties are apex predators, are you not?
I suppose we are. Huh. Maybe thats why the notion of being preyed upon doesnt actually scare us.
[ Series of harsh exhalations. WEI caption: The evaluator believe that there is imitating human laugh .] Yes , no is necessary to fright! Tell me, Aihua. Why do you not have offsprings?
What?
Why do you
Sorry, I discover. The topic justits not something my people frequently ask in casual conversation.
I shall remember and accommodate. For now, will you refute?
Well, we have a problem with overpopulation and its effects: crowding, homelessness, famine, worse. Were redressing now, but their own problems took a long time to develop, it was therefore will take a long time to resolve.
And in the meantime, your it is necessary to simply lose?
Unfortunately, yes. It helps that weve modelled the Trade Network with other sapient species. That increases the resources available on my planet.
But with greater resources, your digits will continue to grow. Theres nothing to shape you stop.
We have our own sapience, which tells us that such rise is unsustainable. Because of this, only some of my beings choose to replicate. Im one of the ones who chose not to.
I see. But if sustainable growth was possible?
Maybe Id have a child. Perhaps. But it isnt possible, so no minors for me. [ Sigh] Now. Not to change the subject, but Ive accompanied some delicacies from my own world-wide to share
Good. I am most interested in eating some of your worlds revels. And if I may say, Aihua, the gleam of your hair is very fine today.
[ Recall ends .]
US NATIONAL EXOPLANETARY SURVEYMEMORANDUM
Levl: Official
Prio: Medium
Init: Salim GILBERTO, FC Team Biological Surveyor
Datime: 2201.11.13.03: 00
[ Optimized by Cognet !]
Esteemed Survey members, colleagues, and sidekicks TAGEND
You will see from my FC report that Dar-Mankana is home to a plethora of speciessubstantially more than our own, which has yet to recover from the arrival of the Anthropocene. But a merely 2 million years ago, Dar-Mankana hosted three times more species than at present.
What could trigger such a destruction? Evidence indicates an interference in several key food webs: a polyphagous piranha which ate its road through tertiary and secondary consumers with such abandon that it likely justification its own extinction. Superpredators may be pop-science clickbait, but Dar-Mankana could represent our closest brush with one of these evolutionary bogeymen. The lingering damage is still perceptible: a relative dearth of megafauna, skewed predator-to-prey rates, insufficient biomass all around for the power that this planet creates.
Further pre-TE study is strongly recommended.
FC Report Excerpt, p. 530: Xenological notes
Datime: 2201.7.7.6: 32
[ Optimized by Cognet !]
[ Some data loss has come; recompilation possible in approximately 127 daytimes .]
[ Buffering] compare to Dr. Gilbertos assertions.
The crater is smallless than half the size of Earths Chicxulub crater, which is widely believed to have triggered the extinction of the dinosaurs. While surely large enough to crusade catastrophic neighbourhood shatter, this cannot explain the mass extinction.
Core samples from the ocean floor discover an abundance of palladium and [ Buffering]
Team Clog of TE MissionDar-Mankana
Post by Hector PRINCIPETeamlock
Datime 2204.1.25.06: 30
[ Optimized by Cognet !]
Sorry if the committee is blurry. Cant sleep. Theory occasion!
Why arent there more Manka? Theyre ripe for Sagans technological adolescence. Weve seen this on so many planets that its practically a law of nature; there is a requirement to erupting at the seams, same as us. But the Manka are precise the right population size for their societys resources. Nobodys thirsty. No idle youth. Plenty for all.
So. Unobserved social self-restraints? The Kama Rhythm Method Sutra? Histocompatibility crisis?
Comment from WEI
Maybe theyve already been through the tech teenages. Gilbertos extinction?
Comment from PRINCIPE
Two million years ago was tech infancy. Or pre-partum: The Manka precursors perhaps werent even tool-users.
Comment from WHETON
Off topic but you know what I obstruct “ve been thinking about”?( Cant sleep either .) The building. Four steeples on every important build. Four lobes to every artistic motif. They got six fingers. Three copulations. WTF is with the veneration of four? Whats their math?
Comment from WANG
Base-8. Ache in the ass; had to recalculate all the potential royalties in the two reports. But yeah, another difference on four. Shit, I cant do possibility at oh dark thirty. Sleep, you apes.
CogNet init: Thandiwe SOLOMON
Recip: WU Li Bai
Transl: English-Cantonese
Datime: 2206.12.16.20: 02
Respectful accosts, Dr. Wu. My appoint is Thandiwe Solomon, with the Extrasolar Sapience department of Rhodes University. I was plotted by your position paper in The Journal for the Study of Applied Sapiology . As someone whos been in the field and discovered how easy it to be able to move blunders, I concur wholeheartedly with your recommendation for a minimum 10 -year survey between First Contact and Trade Establishment.
Sir, it is my understanding that you two are Wei Aihuas mentor during her postdoctorate. Have you been received information on her recent operation?
Thread reply from WU Li Bai
Indeed I have, Dr. Solomonand so must you have been, if youre asking me. I suppose your UC permission is still active?
Thread reply from Thandiwe SOLOMON
It is, sir. Though in the interest of full disclosure, my tier is exclusively Secret.
Thread reply from WU Li Bai
I shall tailor my responses accordingly. What is your wonder?
Thread reply from Thandiwe SOLOMON
Was Dr. Wei lonely?
Recall transcript, WEI Aihua
Meeting with local Influential 5
Datime 2204.1.26.10: 30
[ Optimized by Cognet !]
[ All sensory recall except auditory quelled to aid lightstreaming .]
And then the old person answered, Why is it always the intellectuals? [ Laughter]
[ Laughter. WEI caption: the evaluators laughter reverberates entirely human now. See accent reduction too .] The narrations of your beings are so amusing.
My grandmother will be pleased to hear that.
Grandmother?
Female parent of my mother. [ sigh] She may be dead by the time I get back. I dont know whether to hope for that or not.
Oh?
Ive been croaked five years old. She has cancera disease, untreatable in her client. That necessitates a slow, agonizing death. My parents are taking care of her, but
Your parties have just been males and females. These take over the nurturer persona?
Well, its not quite as binary as that, but … When necessary, yes.
And no one fulfills the evaluator role? Your poor grandmother.
Well, Im not sure [ delay] Oh my God.
Are you praying?
No, justthat was amaze. Youre another sex . Like male, like female, like the nurturers. The FC team got it completely wrong. Four fornications , not three!
Yes, those humen were very slow be adjusted to Dar-Mankana. You are much more fit and clever.
Evaluator, I must confer with my parties. But ah may I return to speak with you again tomorrow?
That would give me great pleasure, Aihua.
CogNet init: Hector PRINCIPE
Recip: Angela WHETON
Priority: URGENT
Datime: 2204.1.31.04: 00
[ Optimized by Cognet !]
[ Sensory remembrance retained per URGENT protocol. Additional lightstream slowdown +185 dates .]
Angela. [ ping] Angela. Damn it, wake the fuck up! And pass this on to Aihua. Fucking – god, delight pass this on to Aihua.
OK. Clear contemplates. OK. I went back to the burial site. Somethings been bothering me. This time I realise what it was.
Most of the bones are small. Childrens bones.
Theory time. Lets say your species is threatened by an enemy so insidious that all the usual existence proficiencies are unproductive against it. Its an foe that they are able camouflage itself enough to get really close during hunting. Maybe it can clown you even up close. What if simply specializing a full-time protection for the weakest members of your species, a nurturer , gives your parties any hope of survival against an opponent like that? And what if even that doesnt stop it? What if, in the end, you cant beat them, so you join them?
Aihua said the evaluators appearance was changing. Im approximating evaluators replace the male or female in reproductionnot all the time, just enough to continue themselves. Theyre not really male or female, though, because theyre fucking shapeshifters! Real Manka males and females are like us. The nurturers raiseand guardthe offspring until theyre age-old enough to show their real potential. Guess what happens then?
They go to the evaluators. Some “of childrens rights”, the healthiest and the most adaptable, get to live. Only them, though. The restalong with perhaps the old-time, the sickare the toll the Manka pay for their prosperity.
Gilbertos superpredators, Angela. Aihuas been having dinner with one each night for the past week.
PANet init: Paul SRINIVASAN
Recip: Thandiwe SOLOMON
Datime: 2206.12.18.06: 10
Ow. Public access streaming hurts my mentality, literally. Anyway, that sidekick of mine who works for CogNet-Pallenergy? Located out Wei Aihuas personal logs did get lightstreamed. Somebody prescribed them deleted.
Same person also slapped a bunch of restrictions on the TE SurveySat maps that Angela Wheton sent back. I cant get through these limitations, but I would guess they discover the extent and site of those palladium lodges she mentioned. Thats why approving is being fast-trackedUCs going a lot of distres from Large-hearted Fusion.
Thread reply: Thandiwe SOLOMON
Are you kidding me? Did the UC pay attention to anything else in the damned dossier? Do they recognize Wei Aihua likely isnt dead?
Thread reply: Paul SRINIVASAN
Its been three years since the TE ship blew up. Wheres she been all this time, if shes still alive?
Thread reply: Thandiwe SOLOMON
I dont know, but three years is slew of time for Stockholm syndrome to set in. Especially if her captors become more and more human, and likable, and attractive
Thread reply: Paul SRINIVASAN
No. Theyre a different species , Thandi.
Thread reply: Thandiwe SOLOMON
The Manka are a different species. The evaluators are whatever the hell they want to be. Human, if they want to be! You have to ask UC Command to quarantine Dar-Mankana.
Thread reply: Paul SRINIVASAN
If there were any survivors of the TE team, that would filament them.
Thread reply: Thandiwe SOLOMON
Yes. Especially in case there is survivors.
UC Trade Establishment Commission
Excerpt, Letter to the leaders of Dar-Mankana
Datime: 2206.12.20.15: 45
[ Lightstream-optimized by UCNet]
The United Communities of Earth also extend their heartfelt gratitude to the people of Dar-Mankana for their care of Dr. Wei in her days as the sole survivor of the TE ship explosion. Despite her eventual extinction in childbirth, your peoples valiant efforts to save her and her newborn are to be commended. An endowed resources of the fund has been established in the name of Dr. Wei, Specialist Principe, and the entire TE team. The child born from their duty shall be welcomed home, desired, and honored as the heir to a heroic legacy.
In peace and hope, we look forward to our reciprocal future of boom.
The Fiction Issue
Tales From an Uncertain Future
Read More
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apsbicepstraining · 7 years ago
Text
The Evaluators: To Trade With Aliens, You Must Accommodate
CogNet init: Paul SRINIVASAN
Recip: Thandiwe SOLOMON
Datime: 2206.12.15.16: 45
[ Optimized by CogNet !]
Thandi, the commission on human rights referendums Tuesday. The teams disappearance isnt the main issue, but I dont like how theyre hasten this. Facilitate me out here, OK? Off the record.
Thread reply from Thandiwe SOLOMON
So tell me how that billable hours thought works for you lawyers. Because I might, I dont know, actually have a chore of my own.
Thread reply from Paul SRINIVASAN
Please! [ Conceptual embed with caption: man bowing with sides pressed together] What do you want? Dinner? Vacation? Hours of mind-bending sex? Because I would do that for you, Thandi. No relinquish is too great.
Thread reply from Thandiwe SOLOMON
You already told me you let your Spermicept patch expire. Stand the blaze away from me. What happened to Weis personal logs?
Thread reply from Paul SRINIVASAN
Gremlins? The slowdown is reasonably severe for this missiontwo years. Not enough black hole for a better communicate, or something like that. Ill see if I can find them. So, they snack her, right? They absolutely ate her.
Thread reply from Thandiwe SOLOMON
No. I dont think they devour her.
Recall transcript, WEI Aihua
Meeting with neighbourhood Influential 1
Datime 2204.1.22.10: 10
[ Optimized by Cognet !]
[ All sensory recall except auditory muffled to aid lightstreaming .]
So what would you like to know, evaluator?
Tell me more of your parties, Adoration China.
If you dont mind, would you call me Aihua, delight?
Oh? Your aide be pointed out that your figures sometimes have meaning.
Yes, but [ laughter] That doesnt mean we like those meanings.
N. K. Jemisin
About
N. K. Jemisins speculative fiction has been nominated for the Hugo, the Nebula, and the World Fantasy Award. The first book in her Broken Earth trilogy, The Fifth Season, won the 2016 Hugo Award for Best Novel . The Stone Sky, the third largest notebook in the serial, comes out this August .
Ah. Please forgive, Aihua. Your expression still confuses.
Im stunned by your facility with my own language, actually.
We become aware of First Contact team.
Yes, but weve had just as much time to learn your language, and well. [ WEI caption: Here I attempt to speak in Manka C. The Manka word for modification translates inadequately. Its implication is more like submission? fitness ?] We am still terrifying/ poor at adaptation.
[ RATCHETING SOUND. WEI CAPTION: MANKA LAUGHTER. THANKFULLY HE RETURNS THE CONVERSATION TO ENGLISH .] It is true, you do not adapt quick as we. But that is expected. You are not evaluators.
Ah, yes. Since you mentioned that, if I may askwhat exactly is your role? Ive asked Hashish, the nurturer whos been evidencing me around, but it was unclear.
I am evaluator.
But what does that intend? What do you assess?
Everything. Parties. World.
For what purpose?
[ SILENCE FOR 2.5 SECONDS] I do not understand, Aihua.
On my world, beings evaluate procedures, achievements. For the purpose of improving them.
Yes. Improvement. Adaptation. Same with us.
I see?
You do not.
Sorry, I
It takes time for beings so different to accommodate. You do well. No is necessary to fear.
Thank you. Ouch!
The shells of [ RECALL BLUR. WEI CAPTION: LOCAL DELICACY, UNPRONOUNCEABLE] are sharp. You are disabled? Shall I summon humans?
No, Im fine, itll stop in a minute. Could you give me something toyes, thank you. Most of your biologicals are innocuous to us, and vice versa. I just hate that Im bleeding on this lovely cloth.
It is unimportant. More?
Yes, delight, its yummy. Youre an good cook.
[ Auditory recall ends. Interpret gustatory reminisce, 2204.1.22.10: 15, for renewal .]
Team Clog of TE Mission, Dar-Mankana
Post by WEI AihuaPublic
Datime 2204.1.20.19: 30
[ Optimized by Cognet !]
My first professor in sapio told me never to Earthropomorphize xenospecies, but the first thing that leapt into my thought when I met them was that the Manka look like upright cheetahs( cheetae ?). Males and females are indistinguishable to my attentions, lean and deep-chested, while nurturers, the third largest fornication, are noticeably more muscular and squarely improved. I pride myself in that my subconscious at least selected a predatory Earth analogue, which should deter me from loosening my protect too much.
Comment from WANG
Its simply cheetahs. And you have three PhDs?
Comment from WEI
None of them are in linguistics, OK? Shut up.
Tomer Hanuka
Team Clog of TE MissionDar-Mankana
Post by WEI AihuaTeamlock
Datime 2204.1.23.11: 50
[ Optimized by Cognet !]
I could KILL Rafkind and the whole First Contact team! What Neanderthal decided to tell the Manka about Christianity? This is exactly why the UC censored Americans from TE teams.
Fortunately, the district potentate seemed more entertained than anything by the idea of one mans demise absolving the incorrects of an entire species. Just one? Cute.
Now Im wondering what else FC screwed up.
FC Report Detail p. 67: Culture Notes
Datime: 2201.4.7.14: 40
[ Optimized by Cognet !]
[ Auditory embed with caption: Manka adoration chant? Recallers: Multiple; public action .]
My love sings behind me
And touches the nape of my neck
I do not look around
My heart flappings fast with fear.
FC Report Detail p. 224: Culture Notes
Recall by First Contact Team Member John RAFKIND
Datime: 2201.5.13.9: 24
[ Optimized by Cognet !]
[ Auditory embed with caption: Observed class 2 Deceptive ideation .]
Whoa.
Whoa?
Apologies. A colloquialism.
Ah. We must learn more of your world so that we may adapt to these colloquialisms.
That would certainly be possible after Trade Establishment, Hashish.
Why did you express a colloquialism, John?
Uh, well the male Manka walking by with that group of children. For some reason, when he look back me, I got the creeer, I find uneasy.
That was an evaluator.
An evaluator of what?
[ RaTcheting sound. RAFKIND caption: I think that was a laugh ?] Many things, at many times. For now, those children.
Were all six of those the evaluators juveniles?
There were three children, John.
Three? I didnt get a good review, but Im sure I appreciated more.
There were three children.
[ Recall ends .]
Team Clog of TE MissionDar-Mankana
Post by Angela WHETONPublic
Datime 2204.1.24.12: 40
[ Optimized by Cognet !]
Did some additional examines of the southeast central continent today. Those palladium sediments Have you guys heard the stock tolls since the CogNet-Pallenergy merger? My God, I might actually get out of student loan debt before I die.
Also noticed an rare concentration of calcium in various accumulations around the city. Hector proceeded with one of the locals to check out a nearby locate and was shown an open-pit tomb. [ VISUAL OVERRIDE EMBED WITH CAPTION: LONG, ORDERLY ROWS OF SEVERAL HUNDRED CLEAN, POLISHED BONES, ORGANIZED BY TYPE .] Each pit is several hundred hoofs deep, bones layered with dirt. Local announced bones the price paid. Ritual? Tag for sapiology review.
OhHector has asked me to note for government officials team log his hypothesis that the burial pits are f__ing creepy-crawly. So noted.
Recall transcript, WEI Aihua
Meeting with local Influential 2
Datime 2204.1.24.13: 10
[ Optimized by Cognet !]
[ All sensory recall except auditory smothered to aid lightstreaming .]
Forgive me for staring, evaluator. Its only that you gaze so different.
I have strained greatly to adapt because we last fit. Does my form satisfy you?
I dont certainly know what to become of it. You ogle
More like you.
Yes.
This distres you.
Surprises me, evaluator. On my planet “theres” souls that can change their coloration to blend in with the environment, but [ Visual override embed with WEI caption: The evaluators face. Memo the abbreviate of the muzzle and repositioning of the ears, at slopes of the foreman rather than the top .]
It has been difficult, yes. Your beings are strangely configured. Even more strange, inside.
How do you
Your bloods preference is most amusing. [ Pause] I have no goal of devouring you, Aihua.
[ Laughter] Uh, sorry. On my nature well. Our recreation are a lot of unnerving men that want to gobble us down.
Entertainment? But your parties are apex predators, are you not?
I suppose we are. Huh. Maybe thats why the notion of being preyed upon doesnt actually scare us.
[ Series of harsh exhalations. WEI caption: The evaluator believe that there is imitating human laugh .] Yes , no is necessary to fright! Tell me, Aihua. Why do you not have offsprings?
What?
Why do you
Sorry, I discover. The topic justits not something my people frequently ask in casual conversation.
I shall remember and accommodate. For now, will you refute?
Well, we have a problem with overpopulation and its effects: crowding, homelessness, famine, worse. Were redressing now, but their own problems took a long time to develop, it was therefore will take a long time to resolve.
And in the meantime, your it is necessary to simply lose?
Unfortunately, yes. It helps that weve modelled the Trade Network with other sapient species. That increases the resources available on my planet.
But with greater resources, your digits will continue to grow. Theres nothing to shape you stop.
We have our own sapience, which tells us that such rise is unsustainable. Because of this, only some of my beings choose to replicate. Im one of the ones who chose not to.
I see. But if sustainable growth was possible?
Maybe Id have a child. Perhaps. But it isnt possible, so no minors for me. [ Sigh] Now. Not to change the subject, but Ive accompanied some delicacies from my own world-wide to share
Good. I am most interested in eating some of your worlds revels. And if I may say, Aihua, the gleam of your hair is very fine today.
[ Recall ends .]
US NATIONAL EXOPLANETARY SURVEYMEMORANDUM
Levl: Official
Prio: Medium
Init: Salim GILBERTO, FC Team Biological Surveyor
Datime: 2201.11.13.03: 00
[ Optimized by Cognet !]
Esteemed Survey members, colleagues, and sidekicks TAGEND
You will see from my FC report that Dar-Mankana is home to a plethora of speciessubstantially more than our own, which has yet to recover from the arrival of the Anthropocene. But a merely 2 million years ago, Dar-Mankana hosted three times more species than at present.
What could trigger such a destruction? Evidence indicates an interference in several key food webs: a polyphagous piranha which ate its road through tertiary and secondary consumers with such abandon that it likely justification its own extinction. Superpredators may be pop-science clickbait, but Dar-Mankana could represent our closest brush with one of these evolutionary bogeymen. The lingering damage is still perceptible: a relative dearth of megafauna, skewed predator-to-prey rates, insufficient biomass all around for the power that this planet creates.
Further pre-TE study is strongly recommended.
FC Report Excerpt, p. 530: Xenological notes
Datime: 2201.7.7.6: 32
[ Optimized by Cognet !]
[ Some data loss has come; recompilation possible in approximately 127 daytimes .]
[ Buffering] compare to Dr. Gilbertos assertions.
The crater is smallless than half the size of Earths Chicxulub crater, which is widely believed to have triggered the extinction of the dinosaurs. While surely large enough to crusade catastrophic neighbourhood shatter, this cannot explain the mass extinction.
Core samples from the ocean floor discover an abundance of palladium and [ Buffering]
Team Clog of TE MissionDar-Mankana
Post by Hector PRINCIPETeamlock
Datime 2204.1.25.06: 30
[ Optimized by Cognet !]
Sorry if the committee is blurry. Cant sleep. Theory occasion!
Why arent there more Manka? Theyre ripe for Sagans technological adolescence. Weve seen this on so many planets that its practically a law of nature; there is a requirement to erupting at the seams, same as us. But the Manka are precise the right population size for their societys resources. Nobodys thirsty. No idle youth. Plenty for all.
So. Unobserved social self-restraints? The Kama Rhythm Method Sutra? Histocompatibility crisis?
Comment from WEI
Maybe theyve already been through the tech teenages. Gilbertos extinction?
Comment from PRINCIPE
Two million years ago was tech infancy. Or pre-partum: The Manka precursors perhaps werent even tool-users.
Comment from WHETON
Off topic but you know what I obstruct “ve been thinking about”?( Cant sleep either .) The building. Four steeples on every important build. Four lobes to every artistic motif. They got six fingers. Three copulations. WTF is with the veneration of four? Whats their math?
Comment from WANG
Base-8. Ache in the ass; had to recalculate all the potential royalties in the two reports. But yeah, another difference on four. Shit, I cant do possibility at oh dark thirty. Sleep, you apes.
CogNet init: Thandiwe SOLOMON
Recip: WU Li Bai
Transl: English-Cantonese
Datime: 2206.12.16.20: 02
Respectful accosts, Dr. Wu. My appoint is Thandiwe Solomon, with the Extrasolar Sapience department of Rhodes University. I was plotted by your position paper in The Journal for the Study of Applied Sapiology . As someone whos been in the field and discovered how easy it to be able to move blunders, I concur wholeheartedly with your recommendation for a minimum 10 -year survey between First Contact and Trade Establishment.
Sir, it is my understanding that you two are Wei Aihuas mentor during her postdoctorate. Have you been received information on her recent operation?
Thread reply from WU Li Bai
Indeed I have, Dr. Solomonand so must you have been, if youre asking me. I suppose your UC permission is still active?
Thread reply from Thandiwe SOLOMON
It is, sir. Though in the interest of full disclosure, my tier is exclusively Secret.
Thread reply from WU Li Bai
I shall tailor my responses accordingly. What is your wonder?
Thread reply from Thandiwe SOLOMON
Was Dr. Wei lonely?
Recall transcript, WEI Aihua
Meeting with local Influential 5
Datime 2204.1.26.10: 30
[ Optimized by Cognet !]
[ All sensory recall except auditory quelled to aid lightstreaming .]
And then the old person answered, Why is it always the intellectuals? [ Laughter]
[ Laughter. WEI caption: the evaluators laughter reverberates entirely human now. See accent reduction too .] The narrations of your beings are so amusing.
My grandmother will be pleased to hear that.
Grandmother?
Female parent of my mother. [ sigh] She may be dead by the time I get back. I dont know whether to hope for that or not.
Oh?
Ive been croaked five years old. She has cancera disease, untreatable in her client. That necessitates a slow, agonizing death. My parents are taking care of her, but
Your parties have just been males and females. These take over the nurturer persona?
Well, its not quite as binary as that, but … When necessary, yes.
And no one fulfills the evaluator role? Your poor grandmother.
Well, Im not sure [ delay] Oh my God.
Are you praying?
No, justthat was amaze. Youre another sex . Like male, like female, like the nurturers. The FC team got it completely wrong. Four fornications , not three!
Yes, those humen were very slow be adjusted to Dar-Mankana. You are much more fit and clever.
Evaluator, I must confer with my parties. But ah may I return to speak with you again tomorrow?
That would give me great pleasure, Aihua.
CogNet init: Hector PRINCIPE
Recip: Angela WHETON
Priority: URGENT
Datime: 2204.1.31.04: 00
[ Optimized by Cognet !]
[ Sensory remembrance retained per URGENT protocol. Additional lightstream slowdown +185 dates .]
Angela. [ ping] Angela. Damn it, wake the fuck up! And pass this on to Aihua. Fucking – god, delight pass this on to Aihua.
OK. Clear contemplates. OK. I went back to the burial site. Somethings been bothering me. This time I realise what it was.
Most of the bones are small. Childrens bones.
Theory time. Lets say your species is threatened by an enemy so insidious that all the usual existence proficiencies are unproductive against it. Its an foe that they are able camouflage itself enough to get really close during hunting. Maybe it can clown you even up close. What if simply specializing a full-time protection for the weakest members of your species, a nurturer , gives your parties any hope of survival against an opponent like that? And what if even that doesnt stop it? What if, in the end, you cant beat them, so you join them?
Aihua said the evaluators appearance was changing. Im approximating evaluators replace the male or female in reproductionnot all the time, just enough to continue themselves. Theyre not really male or female, though, because theyre fucking shapeshifters! Real Manka males and females are like us. The nurturers raiseand guardthe offspring until theyre age-old enough to show their real potential. Guess what happens then?
They go to the evaluators. Some “of childrens rights”, the healthiest and the most adaptable, get to live. Only them, though. The restalong with perhaps the old-time, the sickare the toll the Manka pay for their prosperity.
Gilbertos superpredators, Angela. Aihuas been having dinner with one each night for the past week.
PANet init: Paul SRINIVASAN
Recip: Thandiwe SOLOMON
Datime: 2206.12.18.06: 10
Ow. Public access streaming hurts my mentality, literally. Anyway, that sidekick of mine who works for CogNet-Pallenergy? Located out Wei Aihuas personal logs did get lightstreamed. Somebody prescribed them deleted.
Same person also slapped a bunch of restrictions on the TE SurveySat maps that Angela Wheton sent back. I cant get through these limitations, but I would guess they discover the extent and site of those palladium lodges she mentioned. Thats why approving is being fast-trackedUCs going a lot of distres from Large-hearted Fusion.
Thread reply: Thandiwe SOLOMON
Are you kidding me? Did the UC pay attention to anything else in the damned dossier? Do they recognize Wei Aihua likely isnt dead?
Thread reply: Paul SRINIVASAN
Its been three years since the TE ship blew up. Wheres she been all this time, if shes still alive?
Thread reply: Thandiwe SOLOMON
I dont know, but three years is slew of time for Stockholm syndrome to set in. Especially if her captors become more and more human, and likable, and attractive
Thread reply: Paul SRINIVASAN
No. Theyre a different species , Thandi.
Thread reply: Thandiwe SOLOMON
The Manka are a different species. The evaluators are whatever the hell they want to be. Human, if they want to be! You have to ask UC Command to quarantine Dar-Mankana.
Thread reply: Paul SRINIVASAN
If there were any survivors of the TE team, that would filament them.
Thread reply: Thandiwe SOLOMON
Yes. Especially in case there is survivors.
UC Trade Establishment Commission
Excerpt, Letter to the leaders of Dar-Mankana
Datime: 2206.12.20.15: 45
[ Lightstream-optimized by UCNet]
The United Communities of Earth also extend their heartfelt gratitude to the people of Dar-Mankana for their care of Dr. Wei in her days as the sole survivor of the TE ship explosion. Despite her eventual extinction in childbirth, your peoples valiant efforts to save her and her newborn are to be commended. An endowed resources of the fund has been established in the name of Dr. Wei, Specialist Principe, and the entire TE team. The child born from their duty shall be welcomed home, desired, and honored as the heir to a heroic legacy.
In peace and hope, we look forward to our reciprocal future of boom.
The Fiction Issue
Tales From an Uncertain Future
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The Evaluators: To Trade With Aliens, You Must Accommodate
CogNet init: Paul SRINIVASAN
Recip: Thandiwe SOLOMON
Datime: 2206.12.15.16: 45
[ Optimized by CogNet !]
Thandi, the commission on human rights referendums Tuesday. The teams disappearance isnt the main issue, but I dont like how theyre hasten this. Facilitate me out here, OK? Off the record.
Thread reply from Thandiwe SOLOMON
So tell me how that billable hours thought works for you lawyers. Because I might, I dont know, actually have a chore of my own.
Thread reply from Paul SRINIVASAN
Please! [ Conceptual embed with caption: man bowing with sides pressed together] What do you want? Dinner? Vacation? Hours of mind-bending sex? Because I would do that for you, Thandi. No relinquish is too great.
Thread reply from Thandiwe SOLOMON
You already told me you let your Spermicept patch expire. Stand the blaze away from me. What happened to Weis personal logs?
Thread reply from Paul SRINIVASAN
Gremlins? The slowdown is reasonably severe for this missiontwo years. Not enough black hole for a better communicate, or something like that. Ill see if I can find them. So, they snack her, right? They absolutely ate her.
Thread reply from Thandiwe SOLOMON
No. I dont think they devour her.
Recall transcript, WEI Aihua
Meeting with neighbourhood Influential 1
Datime 2204.1.22.10: 10
[ Optimized by Cognet !]
[ All sensory recall except auditory muffled to aid lightstreaming .]
So what would you like to know, evaluator?
Tell me more of your parties, Adoration China.
If you dont mind, would you call me Aihua, delight?
Oh? Your aide be pointed out that your figures sometimes have meaning.
Yes, but [ laughter] That doesnt mean we like those meanings.
N. K. Jemisin
About
N. K. Jemisins speculative fiction has been nominated for the Hugo, the Nebula, and the World Fantasy Award. The first book in her Broken Earth trilogy, The Fifth Season, won the 2016 Hugo Award for Best Novel . The Stone Sky, the third largest notebook in the serial, comes out this August .
Ah. Please forgive, Aihua. Your expression still confuses.
Im stunned by your facility with my own language, actually.
We become aware of First Contact team.
Yes, but weve had just as much time to learn your language, and well. [ WEI caption: Here I attempt to speak in Manka C. The Manka word for modification translates inadequately. Its implication is more like submission? fitness ?] We am still terrifying/ poor at adaptation.
[ RATCHETING SOUND. WEI CAPTION: MANKA LAUGHTER. THANKFULLY HE RETURNS THE CONVERSATION TO ENGLISH .] It is true, you do not adapt quick as we. But that is expected. You are not evaluators.
Ah, yes. Since you mentioned that, if I may askwhat exactly is your role? Ive asked Hashish, the nurturer whos been evidencing me around, but it was unclear.
I am evaluator.
But what does that intend? What do you assess?
Everything. Parties. World.
For what purpose?
[ SILENCE FOR 2.5 SECONDS] I do not understand, Aihua.
On my world, beings evaluate procedures, achievements. For the purpose of improving them.
Yes. Improvement. Adaptation. Same with us.
I see?
You do not.
Sorry, I
It takes time for beings so different to accommodate. You do well. No is necessary to fear.
Thank you. Ouch!
The shells of [ RECALL BLUR. WEI CAPTION: LOCAL DELICACY, UNPRONOUNCEABLE] are sharp. You are disabled? Shall I summon humans?
No, Im fine, itll stop in a minute. Could you give me something toyes, thank you. Most of your biologicals are innocuous to us, and vice versa. I just hate that Im bleeding on this lovely cloth.
It is unimportant. More?
Yes, delight, its yummy. Youre an good cook.
[ Auditory recall ends. Interpret gustatory reminisce, 2204.1.22.10: 15, for renewal .]
Team Clog of TE Mission, Dar-Mankana
Post by WEI AihuaPublic
Datime 2204.1.20.19: 30
[ Optimized by Cognet !]
My first professor in sapio told me never to Earthropomorphize xenospecies, but the first thing that leapt into my thought when I met them was that the Manka look like upright cheetahs( cheetae ?). Males and females are indistinguishable to my attentions, lean and deep-chested, while nurturers, the third largest fornication, are noticeably more muscular and squarely improved. I pride myself in that my subconscious at least selected a predatory Earth analogue, which should deter me from loosening my protect too much.
Comment from WANG
Its simply cheetahs. And you have three PhDs?
Comment from WEI
None of them are in linguistics, OK? Shut up.
Tomer Hanuka
Team Clog of TE MissionDar-Mankana
Post by WEI AihuaTeamlock
Datime 2204.1.23.11: 50
[ Optimized by Cognet !]
I could KILL Rafkind and the whole First Contact team! What Neanderthal decided to tell the Manka about Christianity? This is exactly why the UC censored Americans from TE teams.
Fortunately, the district potentate seemed more entertained than anything by the idea of one mans demise absolving the incorrects of an entire species. Just one? Cute.
Now Im wondering what else FC screwed up.
FC Report Detail p. 67: Culture Notes
Datime: 2201.4.7.14: 40
[ Optimized by Cognet !]
[ Auditory embed with caption: Manka adoration chant? Recallers: Multiple; public action .]
My love sings behind me
And touches the nape of my neck
I do not look around
My heart flappings fast with fear.
FC Report Detail p. 224: Culture Notes
Recall by First Contact Team Member John RAFKIND
Datime: 2201.5.13.9: 24
[ Optimized by Cognet !]
[ Auditory embed with caption: Observed class 2 Deceptive ideation .]
Whoa.
Whoa?
Apologies. A colloquialism.
Ah. We must learn more of your world so that we may adapt to these colloquialisms.
That would certainly be possible after Trade Establishment, Hashish.
Why did you express a colloquialism, John?
Uh, well the male Manka walking by with that group of children. For some reason, when he look back me, I got the creeer, I find uneasy.
That was an evaluator.
An evaluator of what?
[ RaTcheting sound. RAFKIND caption: I think that was a laugh ?] Many things, at many times. For now, those children.
Were all six of those the evaluators juveniles?
There were three children, John.
Three? I didnt get a good review, but Im sure I appreciated more.
There were three children.
[ Recall ends .]
Team Clog of TE MissionDar-Mankana
Post by Angela WHETONPublic
Datime 2204.1.24.12: 40
[ Optimized by Cognet !]
Did some additional examines of the southeast central continent today. Those palladium sediments Have you guys heard the stock tolls since the CogNet-Pallenergy merger? My God, I might actually get out of student loan debt before I die.
Also noticed an rare concentration of calcium in various accumulations around the city. Hector proceeded with one of the locals to check out a nearby locate and was shown an open-pit tomb. [ VISUAL OVERRIDE EMBED WITH CAPTION: LONG, ORDERLY ROWS OF SEVERAL HUNDRED CLEAN, POLISHED BONES, ORGANIZED BY TYPE .] Each pit is several hundred hoofs deep, bones layered with dirt. Local announced bones the price paid. Ritual? Tag for sapiology review.
OhHector has asked me to note for government officials team log his hypothesis that the burial pits are f__ing creepy-crawly. So noted.
Recall transcript, WEI Aihua
Meeting with local Influential 2
Datime 2204.1.24.13: 10
[ Optimized by Cognet !]
[ All sensory recall except auditory smothered to aid lightstreaming .]
Forgive me for staring, evaluator. Its only that you gaze so different.
I have strained greatly to adapt because we last fit. Does my form satisfy you?
I dont certainly know what to become of it. You ogle
More like you.
Yes.
This distres you.
Surprises me, evaluator. On my planet “theres” souls that can change their coloration to blend in with the environment, but [ Visual override embed with WEI caption: The evaluators face. Memo the abbreviate of the muzzle and repositioning of the ears, at slopes of the foreman rather than the top .]
It has been difficult, yes. Your beings are strangely configured. Even more strange, inside.
How do you
Your bloods preference is most amusing. [ Pause] I have no goal of devouring you, Aihua.
[ Laughter] Uh, sorry. On my nature well. Our recreation are a lot of unnerving men that want to gobble us down.
Entertainment? But your parties are apex predators, are you not?
I suppose we are. Huh. Maybe thats why the notion of being preyed upon doesnt actually scare us.
[ Series of harsh exhalations. WEI caption: The evaluator believe that there is imitating human laugh .] Yes , no is necessary to fright! Tell me, Aihua. Why do you not have offsprings?
What?
Why do you
Sorry, I discover. The topic justits not something my people frequently ask in casual conversation.
I shall remember and accommodate. For now, will you refute?
Well, we have a problem with overpopulation and its effects: crowding, homelessness, famine, worse. Were redressing now, but their own problems took a long time to develop, it was therefore will take a long time to resolve.
And in the meantime, your it is necessary to simply lose?
Unfortunately, yes. It helps that weve modelled the Trade Network with other sapient species. That increases the resources available on my planet.
But with greater resources, your digits will continue to grow. Theres nothing to shape you stop.
We have our own sapience, which tells us that such rise is unsustainable. Because of this, only some of my beings choose to replicate. Im one of the ones who chose not to.
I see. But if sustainable growth was possible?
Maybe Id have a child. Perhaps. But it isnt possible, so no minors for me. [ Sigh] Now. Not to change the subject, but Ive accompanied some delicacies from my own world-wide to share
Good. I am most interested in eating some of your worlds revels. And if I may say, Aihua, the gleam of your hair is very fine today.
[ Recall ends .]
US NATIONAL EXOPLANETARY SURVEYMEMORANDUM
Levl: Official
Prio: Medium
Init: Salim GILBERTO, FC Team Biological Surveyor
Datime: 2201.11.13.03: 00
[ Optimized by Cognet !]
Esteemed Survey members, colleagues, and sidekicks TAGEND
You will see from my FC report that Dar-Mankana is home to a plethora of speciessubstantially more than our own, which has yet to recover from the arrival of the Anthropocene. But a merely 2 million years ago, Dar-Mankana hosted three times more species than at present.
What could trigger such a destruction? Evidence indicates an interference in several key food webs: a polyphagous piranha which ate its road through tertiary and secondary consumers with such abandon that it likely justification its own extinction. Superpredators may be pop-science clickbait, but Dar-Mankana could represent our closest brush with one of these evolutionary bogeymen. The lingering damage is still perceptible: a relative dearth of megafauna, skewed predator-to-prey rates, insufficient biomass all around for the power that this planet creates.
Further pre-TE study is strongly recommended.
FC Report Excerpt, p. 530: Xenological notes
Datime: 2201.7.7.6: 32
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[ Buffering] compare to Dr. Gilbertos assertions.
The crater is smallless than half the size of Earths Chicxulub crater, which is widely believed to have triggered the extinction of the dinosaurs. While surely large enough to crusade catastrophic neighbourhood shatter, this cannot explain the mass extinction.
Core samples from the ocean floor discover an abundance of palladium and [ Buffering]
Team Clog of TE MissionDar-Mankana
Post by Hector PRINCIPETeamlock
Datime 2204.1.25.06: 30
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Sorry if the committee is blurry. Cant sleep. Theory occasion!
Why arent there more Manka? Theyre ripe for Sagans technological adolescence. Weve seen this on so many planets that its practically a law of nature; there is a requirement to erupting at the seams, same as us. But the Manka are precise the right population size for their societys resources. Nobodys thirsty. No idle youth. Plenty for all.
So. Unobserved social self-restraints? The Kama Rhythm Method Sutra? Histocompatibility crisis?
Comment from WEI
Maybe theyve already been through the tech teenages. Gilbertos extinction?
Comment from PRINCIPE
Two million years ago was tech infancy. Or pre-partum: The Manka precursors perhaps werent even tool-users.
Comment from WHETON
Off topic but you know what I obstruct “ve been thinking about”?( Cant sleep either .) The building. Four steeples on every important build. Four lobes to every artistic motif. They got six fingers. Three copulations. WTF is with the veneration of four? Whats their math?
Comment from WANG
Base-8. Ache in the ass; had to recalculate all the potential royalties in the two reports. But yeah, another difference on four. Shit, I cant do possibility at oh dark thirty. Sleep, you apes.
CogNet init: Thandiwe SOLOMON
Recip: WU Li Bai
Transl: English-Cantonese
Datime: 2206.12.16.20: 02
Respectful accosts, Dr. Wu. My appoint is Thandiwe Solomon, with the Extrasolar Sapience department of Rhodes University. I was plotted by your position paper in The Journal for the Study of Applied Sapiology . As someone whos been in the field and discovered how easy it to be able to move blunders, I concur wholeheartedly with your recommendation for a minimum 10 -year survey between First Contact and Trade Establishment.
Sir, it is my understanding that you two are Wei Aihuas mentor during her postdoctorate. Have you been received information on her recent operation?
Thread reply from WU Li Bai
Indeed I have, Dr. Solomonand so must you have been, if youre asking me. I suppose your UC permission is still active?
Thread reply from Thandiwe SOLOMON
It is, sir. Though in the interest of full disclosure, my tier is exclusively Secret.
Thread reply from WU Li Bai
I shall tailor my responses accordingly. What is your wonder?
Thread reply from Thandiwe SOLOMON
Was Dr. Wei lonely?
Recall transcript, WEI Aihua
Meeting with local Influential 5
Datime 2204.1.26.10: 30
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And then the old person answered, Why is it always the intellectuals? [ Laughter]
[ Laughter. WEI caption: the evaluators laughter reverberates entirely human now. See accent reduction too .] The narrations of your beings are so amusing.
My grandmother will be pleased to hear that.
Grandmother?
Female parent of my mother. [ sigh] She may be dead by the time I get back. I dont know whether to hope for that or not.
Oh?
Ive been croaked five years old. She has cancera disease, untreatable in her client. That necessitates a slow, agonizing death. My parents are taking care of her, but
Your parties have just been males and females. These take over the nurturer persona?
Well, its not quite as binary as that, but … When necessary, yes.
And no one fulfills the evaluator role? Your poor grandmother.
Well, Im not sure [ delay] Oh my God.
Are you praying?
No, justthat was amaze. Youre another sex . Like male, like female, like the nurturers. The FC team got it completely wrong. Four fornications , not three!
Yes, those humen were very slow be adjusted to Dar-Mankana. You are much more fit and clever.
Evaluator, I must confer with my parties. But ah may I return to speak with you again tomorrow?
That would give me great pleasure, Aihua.
CogNet init: Hector PRINCIPE
Recip: Angela WHETON
Priority: URGENT
Datime: 2204.1.31.04: 00
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Angela. [ ping] Angela. Damn it, wake the fuck up! And pass this on to Aihua. Fucking – god, delight pass this on to Aihua.
OK. Clear contemplates. OK. I went back to the burial site. Somethings been bothering me. This time I realise what it was.
Most of the bones are small. Childrens bones.
Theory time. Lets say your species is threatened by an enemy so insidious that all the usual existence proficiencies are unproductive against it. Its an foe that they are able camouflage itself enough to get really close during hunting. Maybe it can clown you even up close. What if simply specializing a full-time protection for the weakest members of your species, a nurturer , gives your parties any hope of survival against an opponent like that? And what if even that doesnt stop it? What if, in the end, you cant beat them, so you join them?
Aihua said the evaluators appearance was changing. Im approximating evaluators replace the male or female in reproductionnot all the time, just enough to continue themselves. Theyre not really male or female, though, because theyre fucking shapeshifters! Real Manka males and females are like us. The nurturers raiseand guardthe offspring until theyre age-old enough to show their real potential. Guess what happens then?
They go to the evaluators. Some “of childrens rights”, the healthiest and the most adaptable, get to live. Only them, though. The restalong with perhaps the old-time, the sickare the toll the Manka pay for their prosperity.
Gilbertos superpredators, Angela. Aihuas been having dinner with one each night for the past week.
PANet init: Paul SRINIVASAN
Recip: Thandiwe SOLOMON
Datime: 2206.12.18.06: 10
Ow. Public access streaming hurts my mentality, literally. Anyway, that sidekick of mine who works for CogNet-Pallenergy? Located out Wei Aihuas personal logs did get lightstreamed. Somebody prescribed them deleted.
Same person also slapped a bunch of restrictions on the TE SurveySat maps that Angela Wheton sent back. I cant get through these limitations, but I would guess they discover the extent and site of those palladium lodges she mentioned. Thats why approving is being fast-trackedUCs going a lot of distres from Large-hearted Fusion.
Thread reply: Thandiwe SOLOMON
Are you kidding me? Did the UC pay attention to anything else in the damned dossier? Do they recognize Wei Aihua likely isnt dead?
Thread reply: Paul SRINIVASAN
Its been three years since the TE ship blew up. Wheres she been all this time, if shes still alive?
Thread reply: Thandiwe SOLOMON
I dont know, but three years is slew of time for Stockholm syndrome to set in. Especially if her captors become more and more human, and likable, and attractive
Thread reply: Paul SRINIVASAN
No. Theyre a different species , Thandi.
Thread reply: Thandiwe SOLOMON
The Manka are a different species. The evaluators are whatever the hell they want to be. Human, if they want to be! You have to ask UC Command to quarantine Dar-Mankana.
Thread reply: Paul SRINIVASAN
If there were any survivors of the TE team, that would filament them.
Thread reply: Thandiwe SOLOMON
Yes. Especially in case there is survivors.
UC Trade Establishment Commission
Excerpt, Letter to the leaders of Dar-Mankana
Datime: 2206.12.20.15: 45
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The United Communities of Earth also extend their heartfelt gratitude to the people of Dar-Mankana for their care of Dr. Wei in her days as the sole survivor of the TE ship explosion. Despite her eventual extinction in childbirth, your peoples valiant efforts to save her and her newborn are to be commended. An endowed resources of the fund has been established in the name of Dr. Wei, Specialist Principe, and the entire TE team. The child born from their duty shall be welcomed home, desired, and honored as the heir to a heroic legacy.
In peace and hope, we look forward to our reciprocal future of boom.
The Fiction Issue
Tales From an Uncertain Future
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